In a major breakthrough in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested eleven (11) Chinese nationals involved in galamsey (illegal mining) activities in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The operation, which began on Thursday, June 19, 2025, was part of an intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities in critical ecological zones.
Acting on intelligence, the military-led taskforce stormed the town of Akropong, located near the Ankobra River, where the suspects were caught engaging in unlicensed mining. The operation forms part of the government’s renewed efforts to cleanse Ghana’s water bodies and forests of destructive mining operations that have wreaked havoc on the environment.
During the operation, the taskforce seized a range of heavy-duty equipment and materials used by the illegal miners. These included:
Multiple excavators
Changfans (floating dredging machines)
Several vehicles
Mining tools and fuel supplies
In addition to the confiscation of these items, the team destroyed and burned makeshift mining shelters, stores, and equipment that could not be transported. This decisive action was taken to prevent the miners from returning to resume operations after the taskforce’s departure.
According to NAIMOS officials, the environmental damage caused by the miners, particularly along the Ankobra River, was severe. The river, which serves as a major source of drinking water and fishing livelihood for many communities, has been heavily polluted by chemicals and silt due to illegal dredging and excavation.
Following their arrest, the eleven Chinese suspects were immediately transported to Accra under heavy security and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for further interrogation and legal processing. The handover took place at around 7:20 AM on Friday, June 20, where Senior Inspector Jyampah of the GIS Operations Department received the suspects.
The Director of Operations at NAIMOS led the formal transfer and assured the public that the suspects will face due legal process. Preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine their immigration status, the financiers behind the operation, and whether any local collaborators were involved.
This operation in Ellembelle is one of several taking place across the Western Region, a hotspot for galamsey due to its rich mineral deposits and proximity to major rivers like the Ankobra and Tano. NAIMOS has been conducting similar operations in Jomoro and Evalue Dwira districts, with the goal of systematically dismantling illegal mining networks that threaten Ghana’s environment and public health.
Sector Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has commended the efforts of the taskforce and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to completely stamp out galamsey.
“This is a national security threat. We are not only dealing with environmental destruction but also organized transnational crime networks. We will not relent until our lands and rivers are safe again,” the Minister stated.
The arrest of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese, in illegal mining operations is not new. Over the years, several reports and investigations have revealed the role of foreign actors in funding and facilitating galamsey in Ghana. Often, these operations are well-equipped and operate in remote areas where law enforcement presence is limited.
Critics have called for stricter visa regulations, improved border monitoring, and more robust collaboration between the Ghana Immigration Service, National Security, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clamp down on foreign involvement.
As the crackdown intensifies, authorities are also urging community members to play an active role by reporting suspicious activities, illegal mining sites, and foreign operators in their areas. The Ministry is also pushing for legal reforms to make illegal mining a non-bailable offense and to increase penalties for offenders.
The NAIMOS taskforce has pledged to sustain momentum, with more operations planned in the coming weeks across the Ashanti, Western North, and Central Regions.
This high-profile arrest of the Ellembelle Eleven sends a clear message that Ghana’s renewed anti-galamsey campaign is serious, well-coordinated, and determined to bring lasting change to the country’s fight for environmental justice.