NAIMOS arrests Chinese nationals, intercepts Burkinabè workers in anti-galamsey raids
The crackdown, which took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, targeted illegal mining sites within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro, following credible intelligence reports of extensive mining activities along the Tano River.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has apprehended two Chinese nationals and intercepted Burkinabè workers during coordinated anti-galamsey operations conducted in the Western North and Western Regions.
The crackdown, which took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, targeted illegal mining sites within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro, following credible intelligence reports of extensive mining activities along the Tano River.
According to NAIMOS, entry into the reserve was initially obstructed by forest guards, but operatives forced their way in and uncovered a large-scale active mining operation. A Toyota Land Cruiser V8 attempted to escape the scene, but two Chinese occupants were arrested, while a third suspect managed to flee.
The team discovered four excavators—three already immobilized and one disabled on-site—as well as evidence of river diversion, two heavy-duty water pumps, and a dozen temporary mining shelters, all of which were destroyed.
Recovered items included GH¢10,050 in cash, mobile phones, radio communication gadgets, fuel drums, and control panels used for operations.
The arrested Chinese suspects were subsequently transferred to NAIMOS Headquarters in Accra for further investigation.
Preliminary intelligence indicates that the suspects had been operating under the guise of the Jomoro Community Mining Project, reportedly sanctioned by the local chief, Nana Kwame Nkansah. NAIMOS believes the two are key financiers of illegal mining in the area, allegedly funding and supplying equipment to local miners.
In a separate operation at Essipong, near Asankrangwa, the Task Force uncovered Burkinabè nationals working at a mining concession operated by Bugart Mining, situated close to the Kwama stream and a major highway.
Although company representatives claimed to possess a mining licence issued in 2012, officials expressed concern over the employment of unverified foreign workers.
A CAT excavator at the site was immobilized, and NAIMOS directed the company to appear before its headquarters in Accra on Thursday, October 9, together with all the Burkinabè employees, for verification and compliance review.
