The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested a group of Chinese and Burkinabè nationals in a major crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Western Region.
The latest operation, conducted in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Jomoro Municipality, forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat galamsey and protect the country’s natural reserves.
According to NAIMOS, the task force acted on intelligence that led them to a large illegal mining site hidden deep within the forest. Upon arrival, two Chinese nationals attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. Several excavators, water-pumping machines, and other mining equipment were found at the site. Three excavators were immobilized while another was disabled on-site to prevent further use.
Officials say the arrested Chinese suspects were operating under the guise of a “Community Mining Project” but were in fact funding and supervising illegal mining operations that had severely polluted nearby water bodies and degraded parts of the forest.
In a related operation at Essipong in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, NAIMOS discovered Burkinabè nationals engaging in mining activities near the Kwama stream. Although the site owners claimed to possess valid licenses issued years ago, the task force questioned the legitimacy of their operations and directed all foreign workers and their supervisors to report to NAIMOS for further verification.
A statement from NAIMOS said the Secretariat remains committed to enforcing the government’s anti-galamsey directives and ensuring that both local and foreign perpetrators face prosecution.
“The fight against illegal mining is not a selective one. Anyone found culpable — regardless of nationality — will face the full rigor of the law,” the statement added.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody assisting investigations, while the seized equipment has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
