The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Taskforce has arrested two Chinese nationals during a coordinated raid on illegal mining sites at Subrisu in the Western Region. The operation, conducted on December 8, 2025, forms part of the government’s intensified nationwide crackdown on galamsey activities.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the suspects were caught actively operating two excavators and several mining machines along the heavily polluted Subri River at Bekwai Subrisu. Their activities, along with those of other illegal miners, had severely contaminated the river while causing widespread damage to farmlands and forest reserves.
Pollution and Environmental Damage
The Ministry reported that illegal mining in the area had resulted in:
- Significant pollution of the Subri River, a vital water body for surrounding communities.
- Degradation of farmlands, threatening food production.
- Destruction of forest reserves, accelerating ecological decline.
Authorities say the environmental impact posed an immediate threat to biodiversity and public health.
As part of the operation, NAIMOS dismantled several metallic gold-trapping platforms used by the miners and destroyed three heavy-duty water pumping machines designed to aid the illegal extraction process. The taskforce said this step was crucial to permanently disrupt ongoing operations.
The two arrested suspects, identified as Chinese nationals, were transported to Accra and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for further investigation and processing. Officials say more arrests could be made as surveillance continues in the area.
Ongoing Nationwide Crackdown
NAIMOS emphasized that the Subrisu raid is part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at protecting Ghana’s natural resources and restoring devastated ecosystems.
“The operation reinforces our commitment to halting environmental destruction and restoring order to the mining sector,” the taskforce noted.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has also reiterated its determination to combat galamsey, calling for public cooperation as security teams intensify surprise operations across the country.
