A targeted operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has led to the dismantling of a suspected multinational illegal mining syndicate in parts of the Ashanti Region, with seven arrested and several equipment seized.
The swoop, carried out on Saturday, May 2, 2026, focused on the communities of Ntabanu and Nyameadom within the Mankraso enclave of the Ahafo Ano South West District.
It resulted in the arrest of three Chinese nationals and four Ghanaians believed to be actively involved in illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
According to details of the operation, taskforce personnel initially intercepted a speeding brown pickup vehicle at Ntabanu during what had begun as a routine patrol.
The driver, later identified as a Chinese national, was allegedly fleeing a mining site after word spread among operators about the presence of security personnel.
His attempt to escape was thwarted, leading to his arrest.
The operation quickly extended to nearby Nyameadom, where another group comprising two Chinese nationals and four Ghanaians was intercepted while attempting to leave the area in a convoy of three vehicles.
The suspects reportedly abandoned an excavator at their mining site in a hurried to evade arrest.
However, NAIMOS operatives blocked their route and apprehended all six without resistance.
Authorities say the illegal activities of the group had caused extensive damage to farmlands and contributed to pollution of the River Mankran, a key water source for surrounding communities.
Items retrieved during the operation included four vehicles a Zonda pickup, Nissan Navara, Nissan Oting, and Toyota Hilux an excavator, and a tricycle locally known as an “aboboyaa.”
An amount of GH¢2,750 was also found in the initial vehicle intercepted.
Additionally, officials reported discovering expired identification cards on the foreign suspects.
The four Ghanaian suspects have been handed over to the Mankraso District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The three Chinese nationals are currently in the custody of NAIMOS and are expected to be transferred to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action regarding their immigration status.
Meanwhile, the seized excavator has been transported to a secure holding facility in Kumasi.
The latest arrests highlight ongoing concerns about the role of foreign nationals in illegal mining operations in Ghana, despite laws prohibiting their involvement in small-scale mining.
Authorities say the scale of logistics uncovered including multiple vehicles and heavy-duty equipment points to a well-coordinated network supporting the illicit trade.
NAIMOS has reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining activities, warning that both local and foreign perpetrators will face the full rigours of the law as efforts continue to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
By 1960news.com
