Three Chinese Nationals, One Ghanaian Arrested at Mpohor Galamsey Site
Intelligence-led NAIMOS operation disrupts illegal mining activities in Western Region
- Three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian arrested at Mpohor galamsey site.
- Taskforce seized vehicles and disabled excavators used for illegal mining.
- NAIMOS vows to sustain targeted raids despite operational challenges.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce has arrested three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian during an intelligence-led operation at an illegal mining (galamsey) site at Adum Banso K9 in the Mpohor District of the Western Region.
The operation, conducted on Monday, February 9, 2026, at about 11:20 a.m., followed weeks of surveillance on activities at the site. Details of the raid were shared on Tuesday by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko.
According to NAIMOS, the suspects attempted to flee upon detecting the taskforce’s approach, using two vehicles, but were swiftly intercepted and arrested. They were apprehended aboard a Mitsubishi pickup (GT 3850-13) and a Toyota Highlander (GS 572-25).
A further assessment of the site revealed evidence of two excavators that had been hastily relocated and concealed in nearby bushes before the taskforce arrived. To prevent their continued use in illegal mining, officers immobilised the machines. Due to the unavailability of lowbed transport services, the taskforce removed two control boards and two oil pumps, rendering the excavators inoperable.
In addition to the arrests, the taskforce seized the two vehicles used by the suspects and destroyed several other items and equipment associated with the illegal mining operation.
The three Chinese nationals, together with the seized vehicles, have been transferred to the NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigation and subsequent handover to the Ghana Immigration Service, in line with established procedures. The Ghanaian suspect, identified as Isaac Armah and believed to be the site foreman, has been handed over to the Mpohor Police Station to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
Commenting on the operation, Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven and targeted raids in illegal mining hotspots nationwide.
He acknowledged operational challenges, including limited patrol vehicles, lowbeds, and drones, but stressed that these constraints would not deter the taskforce from carrying out its mandate. Colonel Buah added that intensified NAIMOS operations are disrupting entrenched illegal mining networks responsible for the destruction of cocoa farms, forest reserves, road infrastructure, and the pollution of water bodies across the country.
