The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested six Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining along the Nyaase River in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted in the early hours of April 18, 2026, at Kunsu Gyaenkontabuo. One suspect was initially apprehended at the site and later led authorities to a nearby residence, resulting in the capture of five additional suspects linked to the operation.
NAIMOS officials reported extensive environmental damage at the site, with large tracts of land degraded and river systems polluted. Equipment used for the illegal activity, including excavators and gold-washing platforms, was disabled or destroyed during the operation.
A search of the suspects’ residence uncovered two pump-action guns and 102 rounds of ammunition, alongside GH¢60,000 in cash, a Toyota Tacoma vehicle, mobile phones, passports, and identification documents. Authorities described the discovery as evidence that the operation extended beyond illegal mining into organised and armed criminal activity.
All suspects and seized items have been transferred to NAIMOS headquarters, with the individuals handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further legal action.
Under Ghana’s mining laws, including the Minerals and Mining Act, small-scale mining is prohibited for foreign nationals. NAIMOS said it will intensify nationwide operations to combat illegal mining, stressing that the protection of Ghana’s natural resources remains a top priority.