NAIMOS detains Chinese and Burkinabese nationals following reports that illicit mining was occurring along the Tano River, the Task Force invaded the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Forest Guards first blocked access, but after forcing their way inside the reserve, the operatives found an active mining facility.
Two Chinese nationals were arrested when a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 tried to escape. A third suspect got away with it.
Three of the four excavators the team discovered were already immobilized, and the fourth was deactivated on the spot. Twelve improvised mining structures, two large water pumps, and evidence of river diversion were also found by investigators; all of these were demolished.
GH¢10,050 in cash, cell phones, radio communication devices, fuel drums, control boards, and other items were confiscated.
Since then, NAIMOS has sent the two Chinese suspects to its Accra headquarters so that it can take more action.
According to preliminary investigations, the Chinese nationals who were arrested were allegedly working under the guise of the Jomoro Community Mining Project, which was sanctioned by Nana Kwame Nkansah, the local chief.
The two are thought to be galamsey financiers in the region, giving illicit miners money and logistical support, according to NAIMOS.
“NAIMOS will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any foreign nationals or local sponsors found to be aiding or engaging in galamsey,” the Task Force issued as a warning.
The Task Force conducted a separate operation at Bugart Mining in Essipong, close to Asankrangwa in the Western Region, where Burkinabè people were discovered laboring at a site close to a major road and the Kwama stream.
Operators voiced concerns regarding the hiring of foreign workers at the site, despite the owners’ claims that they had secured a license in 2012.
After immobilizing a CAT excavator, NAIMOS instructed its owners to bring all Burkinabè employees to its Accra offices on Thursday, October 9, for verification.
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