The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Aowin, Stephen Morcher, has raised concerns over a recent anti-galamsey operation that has since gone viral, questioning the legality of a task force allegedly linked to the local MP, Oscar Ofori Larbi, which conducted a raid without the approval or knowledge of the municipal assembly.

Mr Morcher said he received an early-morning call on Monday, January, 5, 2026, from an informant who initially claimed that the officials involved in the confrontation with illegal miners were from NAIMOS. Further checks revealed that the task force consisted of boys allegedly associated with the MP, not NAIMOS personnel.

According to the MCE, the Enchi Divisional Police Command was unable to respond immediately because its officers were engaged in monitoring a land dispute elsewhere. As a result, he instructed military personnel, guided by his driver, to reach the galamsey site and apprehend all individuals involved.

The individuals were reportedly extorting money from illegal gold miners during the operation. Hon. Morcher further revealed that the boys allegedly associated with the MP had extorted 20,000 Ghana cedis and a piece of gold, as reported and captured on video by one of the victims.

The MCE confirmed that the task force members were apprehended and handed over to the Enchi Divisional Police Command, and that the police were currently investigating the matter.

Mr Morcher emphasised that only the municipal assembly has the authority to constitute task forces, making the MP’s unilateral action illegal. “An MP cannot unilaterally form a task force without notifying the Assembly,” he said.

Mr Morcher reiterated his commitment to fighting illegal mining and ensuring accountability, emphasising that the municipality, with the support of national security and military personnel, remains steadfast in curbing galamsey activities.