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The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has successfully arrested six Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining activities along the Nyaase River, a tributary of the Tano River, in Kunsu Gyaenkontabuo within the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region.
In what is considered one of the largest operations in recent history, the task force recovered two pump-action guns, 102 cartridges, a vehicle, and a staggering sixty thousand Ghana cedis (GHC 60,000) in cash. The surprise operation, conducted on the morning of Saturday, 18 April 2026, followed extensive intelligence gathering.
At around 8:20 AM, NAIMOS’ task force launched a raid on the illegal mining site. The operation initially led to the arrest of a Chinese national, who then assisted authorities by revealing the location of his fellow suspects. The task force subsequently arrested the remaining five individuals, all of whom were found to be actively engaged in the illegal mining operation.
The illegal mining site revealed extensive environmental damage, with large tracts of land devastated by the mining activities. Authorities discovered two excavator machines, which were rendered inoperable after their control boards, monitors, and hydraulic pumps were removed due to the unavailability of low-bed services. Additionally, a metallic gold-washing platform was dismantled and burned, along with several other mining equipment, including a wooden washing platform, Changfan machines, and water hoses. One tricycle (locally called “aboboyaa”) was also seized.
In a significant development, a search of the suspects’ residence revealed more concerning evidence, including two pump-action guns, 102 rounds of ammunition, a Toyota Tacoma vehicle, and a variety of identification documents and mobile phones. Most alarmingly, sixty thousand Ghana cedis in cash was recovered, indicating the large-scale illegal operation and the profits generated from damaging Ghana’s natural resources.
The six arrested individuals have been taken to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigation, while the seized items have been secured. They have also been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for the necessary legal actions.
Ghana’s laws clearly prohibit small-scale mining by foreign nationals under the Minerals and Mining Act, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves. Violators not only breach the law but engage in serious environmental aggression against the country’s sovereignty. The discovery of firearms and ammunition during this operation underscores the threat posed by armed, illegal mining activities.
NAIMOS has pledged to continue its surprise operations nationwide until the full extent of the enforcement is felt in every illegal mining camp across the country. Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and mineral resources will be defended at all costs.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv