NAIMOS arrests foreign nationals in Mpohor illegal mining raid

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian in an operation at an illegal mining site at Adum Banso K9 in the Mpohor District of the Western Region.

The arrests were made on Monday, February 9, at about 11:20 am, following an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the area. According to NAIMOS, the carefully planned raid targeted a site suspected to be operating unlawfully.

Upon the arrival of the taskforce, the suspects attempted to escape using two vehicles but were quickly intercepted and arrested. They were apprehended in a Mitsubishi Pickup with registration number GT 3850-13 and a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS 572-25.

A subsequent assessment of the site revealed tracks of two excavators that had been hastily moved and concealed in nearby bushes before the taskforce arrived. To prevent their further use, NAIMOS immobilised the machines. Due to the unavailability of lowbed services to transport the excavators, officers removed control boards and oil pumps, rendering the equipment inoperative.

The two vehicles found at the site were seized, and additional equipment and materials used for the illegal mining activities were dismantled and disabled.

The three Chinese nationals and the seized vehicles have since been conveyed to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigations and will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service in line with established procedures. The Ghanaian suspect, identified as Isaac Armah and believed to be the site foreman, has been handed over to the Mpohor Police Station to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.

NAIMOS, under the leadership of its Director of Operations, Dr Colonel Buah, reiterated its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations across illegal mining hotspots nationwide. The Secretariat acknowledged ongoing operational challenges, including inadequate patrol vehicles, lowbed trucks and drone surveillance equipment, but assured the public that it remains resolute in its mandate.

NAIMOS said sustained operations are continuing to disrupt illegal mining networks that damage cocoa farms and forest reserves, degrade road infrastructure and pollute the country’s water bodies.