NAIMOS arrests six Chinese nationals for illegal mining along Nyaase River
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat NAIMOS has arrested six Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining along the Nyaase River, a tributary of the Tano River, in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. The operation, which occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, led to the recovery of two pump action guns, 102 cartridges, a vehicle, and 60,000 Ghana Cedis in cash. NAIMOS launched a surprise intelligence-led operation at the illegal mining site, initially apprehending one Chinese national who then led them to the residence where the remaining five were arrested. The taskforce observed extensive environmental damage to the land. They immobilised two excavator machines and destroyed a metallic gold washing platform, a wooden gold washing platform, makeshift structures, a heavy-duty water pumping machine, Changfan machines, and several water hoses by burning. A tricycle was also seized. The discovery of weapons and ammunition at the suspects' residence confirmed the operation as an armed criminal enterprise. All arrested suspects and seized items have been taken to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigation, and the Chinese nationals have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for legal and regulatory action. NAIMOS stated that small-scale mining is not permitted for foreigners under Ghana's Minerals and Mining Act, and the discovery of weapons is a national security concern. The Secretariat plans to continue nationwide surprise o
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