10 arrested in anti-galamsey operation near Gbinyiri
The suspects were picked up during a joint anti-illegal mining operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, the Northern Command of the Ghana Army and the Ghana Police Service.
Ten suspected illegal miners have been arrested at Kpali, near Gbinyiri, in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region.
The suspects were picked up during a joint anti-illegal mining operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, the Northern Command of the Ghana Army and the Ghana Police Service.
The operation took place from August 25 to 27, 2026.
According to NAIMOS, it followed a reconnaissance mission on August 19, which confirmed reports of illegal mining activity in the area.
The arrested suspects include three Chinese nationals and seven Ghanaians.
They have been handed over to the Savannah Regional Police Command in Damongo for further investigations and possible prosecution.
The joint team also seized two excavators, three excavator monitors, a Toyota Hilux, a fuel bowser and other mining equipment.
Three firearms and 25 live cartridges were also recovered from the site.
NAIMOS said the team found people actively mining when they arrived at the location.
It also reported extensive environmental damage in the area.
As part of the operation, the task force dismantled 15 makeshift structures and destroyed a generator being used at the site.
NAIMOS said the move was intended to prevent the immediate resumption of illegal mining activities after the operation.
The heavy equipment seized during the exercise has been secured at designated holding sites.
The Secretariat said the operation forms part of continuing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect water bodies and the environment from further destruction.
“NAIMOS will continue to collaborate with the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service and other relevant institutions to disrupt illegal mining activities and protect vulnerable areas within the Savannah Region,” it said.
