The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) has uncovered an alleged impersonation scheme in Apatase, leading to a joint security operation that resulted in the seizure of mining equipment and excavators used in suspected illegal mining activities.
According to the programme, the operation followed reports from aggrieved youth in Nungua Apatase, who confronted an rCOMSDEP team over mining activities they believed were being carried out under the programme’s authority.
Subsequent engagements with members of the community revealed that an individual had allegedly been fraudulently using the name and identity of rCOMSDEP by mounting unauthorised banners at a mining site and conducting illegal mining operations without the programme’s knowledge or approval.
Acting swiftly on the findings, rCOMSDEP collaborated with the National Security and the Ghana Police Service to carry out a joint operation at the site. The exercise led to the seizure of excavators and other mining equipment being used in the unlawful activities.
The programme strongly condemned the unauthorised use of its name, stressing that it does not condone illegal mining or any activity that falls outside Ghana’s mining laws and environmental regulations.
rCOMSDEP reiterated its pledge to promoting responsible, legal, and environmentally sustainable mining practices, while warning individuals against falsely associating themselves with the programme for unlawful purposes.
The programme also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected misuse of its name, assuring Ghanaians that it will continue working closely with the security agencies to protect the integrity of its operations and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
