The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested six Chinese nationals for active illegal mining along the Nyaase River, a tributary of the Tano River, at Kunsu Gyaenkontabuo in the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led operation commenced at approximately 0820 hours on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
After apprehending an initial suspect at the mining site, the task force proceeded to the group’s residence.
This strategic move resulted in the arrest of five additional Chinese nationals and the discovery of an arsenal that included two pump-action guns and 102 rounds of ammunition.
Beyond the weaponry, officers seized a Toyota Tacoma, assorted passports, and 60,000 Ghana Cedis in cash—illicit proceeds stored in a black polythene bag.
The environmental devastation at the site was extensive, with vast acreage destroyed and local water bodies heavily polluted.
Due to the lack of low-bed transport, the task force immobilised two excavators by removing their control boards, monitors, and hydraulic pumps.
To further cripple the illegal infrastructure, NAIMOS personnel dismantled a metallic gold-washing platform and incinerated wooden platforms, makeshift structures, heavy-duty pumping machines, and “Changfan” equipment. A tricycle, locally known as an “aboboyaa”, was also confiscated.
All suspects and seized assets have been transferred to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigation, with the six individuals handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for legal processing.
NAIMOS reaffirms its commitment to conducting nationwide surprise operations to defend Ghana’s natural resources.
The Secretariat remains resolute: the nation’s forests and rivers belong to its people, and those who engage in armed defiance of the law will face the full weight of the state’s enforcement capabilities.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
