National Security Launches Internal Audit After Operative Implicated in Illegal Mining Scandal

The Ministry of National Security has initiated a full-scale internal audit following the arrest of a temporary operative, Issah Yakubu, who was allegedly involved in illegal mining operations in the Ashanti Region. The development has triggered swift action from the ministry, which has already revoked Yakubu’s appointment and placed two other operatives under investigation for their suspected roles in the scandal.

According to credible sources within the security agency, the internal audit aims to assess how deeply the network of complicity runs within the system and whether other operatives may have been engaged in similar unauthorized activities. The move underscores the government’s growing concern over the infiltration of national security structures by individuals exploiting their affiliation for personal gain.

In a statement released over the weekend, the National Security Ministry confirmed Yakubu’s dismissal, emphasizing that his engagement was temporary and that his actions did not reflect the ethics or operations of the institution. The ministry described his involvement in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as “a gross betrayal of national interest and security integrity.”

“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that it maintains zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, or the abuse of authority by any of its personnel. The involvement of any officer or operative in acts that undermine the nation’s security and environmental safety will not be condoned,” the statement read.

The incident occurred during a joint anti-galamsey operation led by a regional task force. Yakubu was reportedly apprehended at an illegal mining site after a confrontation with operatives from another security unit. Initial reports indicate that he had been using his temporary National Security identification to gain access to restricted areas and offer protection to illegal miners in exchange for payments.

Following his arrest, preliminary investigations revealed that Yakubu may have been part of a small network within the security service that colluded with illegal miners to bypass enforcement operations. Two other operatives are currently being interrogated to determine whether they provided logistical support or information leaks that enabled illegal mining activities to persist in certain high-risk zones.

This development comes amid intensified national efforts to clamp down on galamsey, which continues to devastate Ghana’s environment, pollute major water bodies, and undermine sustainable livelihoods. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining and has directed security agencies to deal firmly with anyone involved, regardless of their rank or political affiliation.

Security analysts say the latest scandal is a wake-up call to review how operatives are recruited, trained, and monitored. They warn that temporary or contract-based operatives often lack the rigorous vetting and discipline associated with permanent staff, making the system vulnerable to infiltration by opportunists seeking to exploit state credentials.

Dr. Ishmael Norman, a security expert and president of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies, described the case as “a reflection of systemic oversight gaps.” He noted that while National Security operatives play a crucial role in intelligence gathering and enforcement, poor supervision and lack of accountability mechanisms have allowed some personnel to engage in illegal activities.

“This case exposes the urgent need for structural reform within the security sector. When the public loses trust in those mandated to protect the nation, it undermines not only national security but also the moral authority of law enforcement,” Dr. Norman explained.

The National Security Ministry has meanwhile reassured the public that it will not shield anyone found complicit. Officials indicated that all implicated individuals will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution once the internal audit and investigations are complete.

Sources within the ministry disclosed that the audit will not only examine personnel conduct but also review operational protocols, recruitment processes, and monitoring systems to prevent future breaches. This includes verifying the authenticity of all temporary operatives currently engaged under special contracts.

The ministry’s decision to act swiftly has been praised by sections of the public and civil society organizations that have long called for greater transparency in Ghana’s security institutions. Groups such as the Ghana Integrity Initiative and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) have urged the ministry to publish the findings of the audit once concluded, as a demonstration of its commitment to accountability.

Meanwhile, environmental activists continue to express frustration at the persistence of galamsey, despite repeated government crackdowns. They argue that illegal mining thrives largely due to complicity among some elements in the security services and local authorities who benefit financially from the practice. The latest revelation, they say, confirms those fears and highlights the urgent need for institutional cleansing.

For years, illegal mining has remained one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and governance challenges. Rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have turned brown with silt and chemical waste, threatening water supply systems and aquatic life. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over 40% of arable land in certain mining districts has been degraded due to unregulated mining activities.

The National Security Ministry’s internal audit thus represents not only an accountability exercise but also a test of the government’s broader anti-corruption resolve. As investigations continue, Ghanaians await concrete action that will restore public confidence in the institutions entrusted with safeguarding both national and environmental security.

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