NAiMOS arrests six Chinese nationals for illegal mining in Ashanti Region
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat NAiMOS has arrested six Chinese nationals for illegal mining along the Nyaase River in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. The operation, conducted on 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, initially apprehending one Chinese national who then led them to a hideout where the remaining five were arrested. The illegal mining activities had devastated vast acres of land, causing severe environmental damage. Authorities immobilized 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. A tricycle was also seized. The discovery of weapons and ammunition at the suspects' residence indicated an armed criminal enterprise. All arrested individuals 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 action. NAiMOS emphasized that small-scale mining is prohibited for foreigners under Ghana's Minerals and Mining Act, and such activities are considered environmental aggression and a national security concern.
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