In a targeted operation on Monday, February 9, 2026, a national taskforce arrested three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian at an illegal mining site in the Mpohor District.
The intelligence-led raid, conducted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), took place at Adum Banso K9. According to a statement by Forestry Commission Deputy CEO, Elikem Kotoko, the operation followed sustained surveillance of the location.
Upon the taskforce’s arrival around 11:20 a.m., the suspects attempted to flee in two vehicles—a Mitsubishi pickup (GT 3850-13) and a Toyota Highlander (GS 572-25)—but were swiftly intercepted and apprehended.
A subsequent search of the site revealed that two excavators had been hurriedly moved and hidden in nearby bushes. To prevent their further use in illegal activities, NAIMOS officers immobilized the machinery by removing critical components.
The taskforce also seized the two vehicles and destroyed various other equipment used in the illicit mining operation.
The three Chinese nationals, alongside the impounded vehicles, have been transferred to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigation and will be handed to the Ghana Immigration Service. The Ghanaian suspect, identified as Isaac Armah and believed to be the site foreman, is in the custody of the Mpohor Police to aid investigations and face possible prosecution.
Commenting on the operation, Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, affirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to disrupting illegal mining networks despite logistical constraints, including shortages of patrol vehicles and equipment.
“Our intensified operations continue to target these destructive activities that devastate cocoa farms, forest reserves, and pollute our water bodies,” Colonel Buah stated.
The arrest is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey,’ which poses significant environmental and economic threats to the country.
