The anti-illegal mining task force has arrested four armed men accused of engaging in illegal mining along the Ankobra River in the Western Region after a confrontation during an enforcement operation, authorities said on Thursday.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) said the suspects were detained on Wednesday at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality during a routine patrol targeting activities along the river.

The task force said it encountered the men at an active illegal mining site where they were allegedly serving as security for the operation. It said the suspects were armed with machetes and pump-action guns and resisted arrest, leading to a violent confrontation before they were subdued.

Those arrested were identified as Alpha Musa, 28, Rahaman Rojer, 29, Laji Bengali, 25, and Mohammed Agana, 25.

NAIMOS said it recovered two pump-action guns, 82 cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine and other equipment used in the mining operation. Two excavators found at the site were immobilised after their control boards were removed.

The agency said the suspects, during interrogation, claimed they were operating under the authority of individuals they identified as “Ras,” “Mambo,” and “Nana Teku,” who they alleged were linked to national security personnel based in Prestea.

NAIMOS said the names had been handed over to police for further investigation. It did not provide evidence of the alleged links, and Reuters could not independently verify the claim.

Illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” has long been a major environmental challenge in Ghana, contributing to widespread pollution of rivers and degradation of forest reserves.

The suspects and seized items have been handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution, NAIMOS said.