NAIMOS Storms Galamsey Hub, Arrests 6 Chinese Nationals with Weapons Cache
Intelligence-led dawn operation uncovers weapons, cash, and extensive environmental destruction as authorities clamp down on illegal mining in the Ashanti Region.
- NAIMOS apprehended six Chinese nationals during an intelligence-led operation at an illegal mining site along the Nyaase River
- Authorities recovered pump-action guns, 102 rounds of ammunition, GH¢60,000 in cash
- The operation exposed widespread land degradation and river pollution
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended six Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities along the Nyaase River, a tributary of the Tano River. The arrests took place at Kunsu Gyaenkontabuo in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-driven operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, April 18, 2026, uncovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, cash, and equipment believed to be linked to the illicit mining operation.
According to officials, the swoop began around 8:20 a.m. when a task force stormed the site and arrested one suspect. He subsequently led authorities to a nearby residence, where five more individuals believed to be part of the same network were picked up.
Investigators described the operation as one of the most significant in recent times involving foreign nationals. At the mining site, authorities observed severe environmental damage, including degraded land and polluted sections of the river.
Heavy machinery such as excavators was immobilized, while other tools—including washing platforms, pumping machines, and hoses—were either destroyed or confiscated to halt further illegal activity.
A search at the suspects’ residence revealed two pump-action guns, 102 rounds of ammunition, a Toyota Tacoma pickup, mobile phones, passports, identification documents, and GH¢60,000 in cash hidden in a black polythene bag.
NAIMOS noted that the discovery points to a well-organized operation with links to armed criminal activity, beyond just environmental violations.
The suspects and all retrieved items have been transferred to the NAIMOS headquarters for further investigation, while the individuals have also been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for the necessary legal processes.
The Secretariat reaffirmed that Ghanaian law strictly prohibits foreign nationals from participating in small-scale mining, particularly in protected water bodies and forest reserves. It added that nationwide enforcement efforts will be intensified to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
