The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended three Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian during a swoop on an illegal mining site at Adum Banso K9 in the Mpohor District of the Western Region.
The operation, carried out on Monday, February 9, at about 11:20 a.m., followed intelligence gathered on suspected illegal mining activities in the area. NAIMOS said the raid formed part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on galamsey operations.
Upon the taskforce’s arrival at the site, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee in two separate vehicles but were swiftly intercepted and arrested. They were travelling in a Mitsubishi pickup with registration number GT 3850-13 and a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS 572-25.
In a statement, NAIMOS said checks conducted at the location revealed fresh tracks of two excavators believed to have been hurriedly relocated and concealed in nearby bushes before the team arrived.
Both vehicles found at the scene were seized, while other tools and materials linked to the illegal mining activities were dismantled and disabled.
The three Chinese nationals, together with the impounded vehicles, have been taken to the NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigations and will subsequently be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service in line with established procedures.
The Ghanaian suspect, identified as Isaac Armah and believed to be the site foreman, has been transferred to the Mpohor Police Station to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS, led by its Director of Operations, Dr Colonel Buah, reaffirmed its resolve to intensify intelligence-driven operations in illegal mining hotspots across the country.
The Secretariat acknowledged challenges such as limited patrol vehicles, lowbed trucks and drone surveillance equipment but assured the public that it remains committed to dismantling networks that destroy cocoa farms, forest reserves, roads and water bodies.
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