The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested six Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Nyaase River, a tributary of the Tano River, at Kunsu Gyaenkontabuo in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led operation also led to the retrieval of two pump-action guns, 102 rounds of ammunition, a vehicle, and GH₵60,000 in cash, marking one of the most significant crackdowns involving foreign nationals in recent NAIMOS operations.
According to NAIMOS, the taskforce launched the operation at about 8:20 a.m. on Saturday.
One suspect was initially arrested at the mining site and later led officers to a nearby residence believed to be a hideout.
A subsequent search resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects, all linked to the illegal mining operation.
Authorities reported extensive environmental degradation at the site, with large portions of land destroyed.
The affected area is considered vital to local livelihoods due to its reliance on nearby water bodies and fertile soils.
Two excavators found at the site were disabled by removing key components, including control boards and hydraulic systems, rendering them unusable.
A metallic gold washing platform was dismantled, while other equipment—such as a wooden washing platform, pumping machines, Changfan equipment, and water hoses—were destroyed.
Makeshift structures on the site were also set ablaze.
Additionally, a tricycle, commonly known as an “aboboyaa,” was confiscated.
A search at the suspects’ residence uncovered two pump-action guns and 102 rounds of ammunition, raising concerns beyond environmental violations to include potential criminal activity.
Officers also seized a Toyota Tacoma vehicle, passports, identification cards, and mobile phones.
The GH₵60,000 recovered from the premises is believed to be proceeds from the illegal mining activities.
All six suspects have been transferred to NAIMOS headquarters for further investigation and have subsequently been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for appropriate legal action.
NAIMOS reiterated that Ghana’s mining laws strictly prohibit foreign participation in small-scale mining, particularly illegal operations in water bodies and forest reserves.
The Secretariat described the presence of firearms as a serious national security concern.
The agency affirmed its commitment to intensifying nationwide operations to clamp down on illegal mining, stressing that Ghana’s natural resources must be protected for the benefit of its citizens.
By 1960news.com
