In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended two Chinese nationals involved in unauthorized galamsey operations in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, located in the Jomoro area of the Western North Region.
The arrests occurred during a targeted intelligence-led operation on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
Access to the forest had initially been obstructed by Forest Guards, but the NAIMOS Task Force successfully forced entry and detained the suspects.
During the raid, authorities discovered a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (registration GR 442-14) attempting to flee the scene with three occupants.
Two of the individuals, identified as Chinese nationals, were captured, while a third suspect managed to escape.
The mining site revealed extensive environmental violations, including river diversion along the Tano River.
Four excavators were found onsite, three already immobilized and one disabled by the Task Force. In addition, two heavy water pumps and twelve makeshift structures were destroyed as part of the operation.
The Task Force confiscated several items, including:
- Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (GR 442-14)
- GHC 10,050 in cash
- Mobile phones (iPhone and Huawei)
- HF radio and torchlight
- Cigarettes, lighters, a drum of fuel
- Control board and monitor
Preliminary inquiries suggest the suspects were operating under the purported Jomoro Community Mining Project, allegedly granted by Chief Kwame Nana Nkansah.
Investigations further indicate that the Chinese nationals may have been financing and supplying logistical support to other illegal miners in the area.
NAIMOS has issued a stern warning to all foreign nationals involved in unauthorized mining within Ghana’s forest reserves and waterways.
The two Chinese nationals have since been transferred to the NAIMOS Headquarters in Accra for further legal action.
Earlier, the Task Force also conducted inspections at Essipong in Asankrangwua, Western Region, at a site known as Bugart Mining along the Kwama Stream.
Authorities observed Burkinabe workers onsite, raising concerns despite the site claiming to hold a mining license issued in 2012.
The Task Force immobilized a CAT excavator and directed the company’s management to report to NAIMOS Headquarters on Thursday, 9 October 2025, along with all Burkinabe workers associated with the site.
