NAIMOS Arrests 10 Suspected Illegal Miners, Seizes Excavators and Firearms Near Gbinyiri

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Northern Command of the Ghana Army and the Ghana Police Service, has arrested 10 suspected illegal miners during an operation near Gbinyiri in the Savannah Region.

The suspects were arrested at Kpali, near Gbinyiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, during an anti-illegal mining operation conducted from August 25 to 27, 2026.

The joint security team also seized two excavators, three excavator monitors, a Toyota Hilux, a fuel bowser and other mining equipment.

Three firearms and 25 live cartridges were additionally recovered during the operation.

According to NAIMOS, the operation followed a reconnaissance mission conducted on August 19, which confirmed reports of illegal mining activities in the area.

The team encountered individuals actively engaged in illegal mining and observed significant environmental degradation at the site.

The 10 suspects comprise three Chinese nationals and seven Ghanaians.

To prevent the miners from immediately returning to the site, the task force dismantled 15 makeshift structures and destroyed a generator used for mining activities.

The suspects and relevant exhibits have since been handed over to the Savannah Regional Police Command in Damongo for further investigations and appropriate legal action.

The seized heavy-duty equipment has also been secured at designated holding facilities.

NAIMOS said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s water bodies and environment from further destruction.

The Secretariat assured that it will continue working with the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service and other relevant institutions to disrupt illegal mining activities across vulnerable areas in the Savannah Region.