The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has arrested two Chinese nationals engaging in illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Jomoro area of the Western North Region.
*The Operation:*
On Wednesday 8 October 2025, the NAIMOS Task Force conducted an intelligence-led operation in the Jomoro community of the Western North Region, leading to the arrest of two Chinese galamseyers. The Task Force was initially delayed access to the forest by the Forest Guards but managed to force entry, following which it apprehended the suspects.
*Key Findings:*
– Following a forced entry in the forest, the NAIMOS Task Force discovered one Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registration number GR 442-14 with 3 occupants fleeing the scene. Two (2) of the occupants, Chinese nationals were apprehended while a third suspect, a black national, escaped.
– The mining site was found to be operating along the Tano River, with evidence of river diversion due to the illegal mining activities.
– Four excavators were found at the site, with three already immobilized and one immobilized by the Task Force.
– Two heavy water pumping machines and 12 makeshift structures were destroyed.
*Items Seized in the operation:*
– Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (GR 442-14)
– Cash amount of GHC 10,050.
– 2 phones (iPhone and Huawei)
– 3 packs of cigarette
– 2 Lighters
– 1 HF Radio
– 1 Touchlight
– 1 drum of fuel
– 1 Monitor
– 1 Control Board
*Investigation:*
Preliminary investigations suggest that the Chinese nationals were operating under the cover of Jomoro Community Mining Project, with allegations that the Chief of Jomoro, Kwame Nana Nkansah, issued the concession to them. Investigations also reveal that the Chinese nationals are involved in sponsoring galamsey activities in the area, providing financial and logistical support to the illegal miners.
*Caution:*
The NAIMOS Task Force warns all foreign nationals engaging in illegal mining activities in the country’s forest reserves and water bodies to desist from such activities. NAIMOS will not hesitate to arrest and cause the prosecution of anyone found to be involved in these illegal activities, including those sponsoring or facilitating galamsey operations. We urge all Ghanaians to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Task Force has since transferred the 2 arrested Chinese nationals to the NAIMOS Headquarters in Accra for further action.
*Earlier Operations*
In other operations conducted at Essipong in Asankrangwua, Western Region, the NAIMOS Task Force visited a mining site by name Bugart Mining which operated along the Kwama stream and a few meters away from the main first class road.
The Task Force also observed the presence of some foreigners from Burkina Faso who were workers of at the mining site. Upon questioning, the owner of the Bugart Mining Company claimed that the small scale mining was a registered mining company which acquired license in the year 2012, a claim that raised the Task Force’s suspicion, especially with regards to the foreign workers.
Following these, the leader of the Task Force instructed the owners of the company to report to NAIMOS HQ with all the Burkinabes who work with the company on Thursday 9 October 2025. This instruction was given to the site owner and the son after the Task Force immobilized a CAT excavator seen on the mining site.
Attached are pictures from the day’s operations.
