W/R: NAIMOS apprehends Chinese, Burkinabe nationals in latest galamsey operations

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force apprehended two Chinese nationals for engaging in illicit mining activities within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Jomoro area of the Western North Region. The arrests were made possible by an intelligence-led operation conducted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

According to NAIMOS, the Task Force initially encountered resistance from forest guards, but ultimately gained access to the forest following a brief standoff.

During the operation, the team encountered ongoing unauthorized mining activities along the Tano River, where a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registration number GR 442-14 was seen fleeing the area. Two Chinese nationals were taken into custody, while a third suspect, presumed to be Ghanaian, evaded capture.

The Task Force exposed widespread environmental destruction, including the diversion of the Tano River. Four excavators were discovered at the site, with three already inoperable and one neutralized by the Task Force.

Additionally, two heavy-water pumping machines and twelve makeshift wooden structures employed by the miners were also demolished.

Items seized during the operation include:

• Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (GR 442-14)

• Cash amounting to GH₵10,050

• Two mobile phones (iPhone and Huawei)

• Three packs of cigarettes, two lighters

• One HF radio, one touchlight

• One drum of fuel, one monitor, and one control board

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were operating under the guise of the Jomoro Community Mining Project. Sources allege that the Chief of Jomoro, Kwame Nana Nkansah, may have issued the concession to the Chinese miners.

Preliminary investigations by NAIMOS suggest that the arrested foreigners were sponsoring illegal mining operations in the area, providing financial and logistical support to local miners.

The two Chinese nationals have been transferred to NAIMOS Headquarters in Accra for further investigation and prosecution. In a separate operation, the NAIMOS Task Force visited a site operated by Bugart Mining along the Kwama stream in Essipong, Asankrangwua.

The site, located near a major road, was found to have several foreign workers believed to be from Burkina Faso.

Although the site owner claimed to have a valid small-scale mining license acquired in 2012, the Task Force was suspicious of the foreign nationals’ presence and instructed the owner to report to NAIMOS Headquarters on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with all Burkinabe workers for verification.

A CAT excavator discovered at the site has been immobilized pending further investigation.

The Secretariat has issued a warning to all foreign nationals against engaging in illegal mining within Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.

It emphasized that any individual, regardless of nationality, found to be sponsoring, aiding, or participating in galamsey activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

“NAIMOS will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in illegal mining operations. We urge the public to report any suspicious mining activities to the authorities,” the statement added.