Police in the Western North Region have arrested five people, including a driver, for posing as National Security operatives and extorting money from miners in the Suaman District.
The suspects were apprehended by the Western North Regional Police Command, under the leadership of DCOP Francis Tsidi, following intelligence reports on their suspicious activities in local mining communities.
Addressing journalists at the Regional Police Headquarters in Sefwi Wiawso, DCOP Tsidi disclosed that the group had been moving through communities such as Suiaboi, targeting active mining sites.
According to the police commander, the suspects, dressed in outfits resembling official National Security uniforms, demanded documentation from miners and seized belongings from those who were not actively working at the time.
Their conduct soon raised alarm among residents. Some community members confronted the group, while others gave chase toward Dadieso. Acting on these reports, police intercepted the suspects.
The five individuals have been identified as Amponsah Asare Wagan, 33; Nelson Agbodzah, 28; Awedagah Norbert, 27; Francis Brefo, 35; and their driver, Benjamin Boakye, 48. Boakye was driving a Toyota Hilux with registration number GX 1095-19.
All five have been handed over to the Dadieso Police Station for further investigation.
DCOP Tsidi reiterated that while security agencies remain committed to curbing illegal mining in the region, they will not tolerate individuals who impersonate security personnel to exploit or harass residents.
