Five individuals, including a driver, have been arrested in the Western North Region for allegedly posing as national security operatives to extort money from miners.
The suspects were picked up by the Western North Regional Police Command following intelligence reports about their activities in mining communities within the Suaman District. The operation was led by the Regional Commander, DCOP Francis Tsidi, after concerns were raised by residents over the group’s conduct.
Addressing the media at the Regional Police Headquarters in Sefwi Wiawso, DCOP Tsidi disclosed that the group had been operating in communities such as Suiaboi, where they targeted miners under the guise of carrying out official duties.
According to him, the suspects dressed in attire resembling National Security uniforms and approached mining sites, demanding documentation from workers. In instances where miners were unable to provide the required documents or were not actively working, the group allegedly seized items and demanded money.
Their actions, however, triggered suspicion among members of the affected communities. Some residents reportedly confronted the suspects, while others followed them as they attempted to move toward Dadieso. The information gathered from these encounters was relayed to the police, who subsequently intercepted and arrested the group.
The suspects have been identified as Amponsah Asare Wagan, 33; Nelson Agbodzah, 28; Awedagah Norbert, 27; Francis Brefo, 35; and their driver, Benjamin Boakye, 48. The driver was operating a Toyota Hilux with registration number GX 1095-19 at the time of their arrest.
He further assured that the police remain committed to maintaining law and order and will continue to act on credible intelligence to protect communities from such criminal activities.
