The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested ten heavily armed Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.
The arrests were made during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by NAIMOS and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on October 23, 2025.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks operating within the Oda River Forest Reserve.
According to a statement from NAIMOS, the team also apprehended nine armed individuals posing as National Security operatives.
The impostors, dressed in khaki uniforms, claimed to be working under the instructions of a man identified as “Major Jabari.”
A search on the suspects led to the discovery of a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, several cartridges, and handcuffs, all of which were seized as evidence.
During the same exercise, NAIMOS officers intercepted a group that allegedly attempted to bribe them with GH₵120,000 to secure the release of the arrested illegal miners.
The suspects involved in the bribery attempt were immediately detained.
The operation further uncovered a hidden settlement deep within the forest, where the illegal miners had built makeshift wooden structures and tents to support their mining activities. NAIMOS said the site was dismantled, and the equipment destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
Other seized items included vehicles, refrigerators, and rounds of ammunition.
Authorities say the arrested individuals are in custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of their operations and possible collaborators.
Source: Adomonline
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