The operation was carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, following intelligence reports of organised galamsey activities in the area.
According to NAIMOS, the task force deployed from its Manso Adubia base in the early hours of the morning, using surprise tactics to intercept suspects at the site.
Officials said several individuals were found actively engaged in illegal mining along the river upon arrival. They also reported seeing some Ghanaian operators at a distance, with one allegedly carrying a pump-action firearm.
The statement indicated that some suspects, including the armed individual, fled into nearby bushes, while two Chinese nationals attempted to escape but were pursued and arrested.
The suspects have been identified as 53-year-old Lu Honggeng and 41-year-old Nong Zisun. They have since been transported to the NAIMOS Secretariat in Accra for further investigations and are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service.
NAIMOS described the environmental damage at the site as severe, noting that portions of the Dankai River had been diverted and blocked to create an artificial dam to support mining operations.
It warned that such activities pose a serious threat to river ecosystems and the livelihoods of downstream communities who depend on the water source.
Officials also expressed concern over the increasing security risks at illegal mining sites, citing the reported presence of firearms among some operators.
The Secretariat said the illegal structures along the river have been dismantled and assured continued operations in the Amansie East area and other affected regions to restore degraded water bodies.
NAIMOS further cautioned illegal miners to desist from destroying forests and polluting rivers across the country.