The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has intensified its anti-galamsey campaign, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the interception of foreign workers in separate operations across the Western North and Western Regions.

The arrests were made on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, as part of NAIMOS’s ongoing mission to curb illegal mining activities, which have devastated Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.

Chinese Nationals Arrested in Tano Anwia Forest Reserve

The Task Force stormed the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro following intelligence reports of active illegal mining along the Tano River.

Despite initial delays and resistance from local Forest Guards, operatives successfully forced entry and discovered an active mining site. A high-speed chase ensued as a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 attempted to flee the scene, resulting in the apprehension of two Chinese nationals inside the vehicle. A third suspect managed to escape.

On-Site Discoveries and Seizures:

• Four excavators were found, three of which were already immobilised, with the fourth disabled on-site by the Task Force.
• Evidence of river diversion was discovered, along with two heavy-duty water pumps and 12 makeshift mining structures, all of which were destroyed.
• Seized items included GH¢10,050 in cash, mobile phones, radio communication equipment, fuel drums, and control boards.

The two Chinese suspects have since been transferred to the NAIMOS headquarters in Accra for further investigation and action.

Alleged Galamsey Financiers Under Investigation

Preliminary findings suggest the arrested Chinese nationals were operating under the guise of the Jomoro Community Mining Project, allegedly granted by the local chief, Nana Kwame Nkansah.

NAIMOS believes the pair are the financiers of galamsey in the area, providing crucial logistical and financial backing to the illegal operation. The Task Force issued a stern warning, stating that it “will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any foreign nationals or local sponsors found to be aiding or engaging in galamsey.”

Foreign Workers Intercepted at Essipong Site

In a separate operation, the Task Force visited the Bugart Mining site at Essipong, near Asankrangwa in the Western Region. Here, they discovered Burkinabè nationals actively working at a site located dangerously close to the Kwama stream and a major road.

Although the site owners claimed to possess a valid 2012 licence, NAIMOS operatives raised immediate concerns about the employment of foreign workers. As a result, a CAT excavator was immobilised, and the owners were directed to report to the Accra headquarters today, Thursday, October 9, accompanied by all the Burkinabè workers for crucial verification of their status.

This major operation underscores the government’s renewed focus on clamping down on illegal mining across Ghana. Stay tuned for further updates on the prosecution of the arrested suspects.