The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reportedly arrested a man claiming to be the Chief of Dokokyina, Nana Ogyeahohuo Barima Anum, for allegedly attempting to interfere with a lawful anti-galamsey operation at Besiasi in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region.

The arrest reportedly took place around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, after the chief allegedly pursued members of the taskforce in an effort to disrupt the arrest of Asenso Kwabena, described by authorities as a ‘notorious illegal mining kingpin’.

In a viral post on X on November 10, 2025, NAIMOS confirmed that the chief was intercepted while driving a grey Mercedes-Benz ML 350 with a registration number GT 870-14.

NAIMOS reject GH¢100k bribe, arrest alleged galamsey kingpin in the Eastern Region

He was subsequently taken into custody and handed over to the Ghana Police Service, while his vehicle was impounded.

Earlier that day, the taskforce had conducted a major raid at Besiasi, leading to the arrest of Asenso Kwabena for operating an illegal mining site said to be heavily polluting the Ayensu River and endangering surrounding communities.

According to NAIMOS, the suspect arrived at the scene armed with a pistol and allegedly attempted to bribe the team with GH¢100,000 to avoid arrest.

The taskforce rejected the bribe, seized the cash and mining equipment, shut down the site, and transported the suspect for further interrogation.

Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor of the Multimedia Group, who covered the operation, reportedly confirmed the chain of events, drawing widespread commendation for the taskforce’s decision to reject the alleged bribe.

Both suspects are currently assisting with investigations and are being jointly handled by the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General’s Office.

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NAIMOS officials have emphasised that the law will be applied ‘without fear or favour’, cautioning that any individual regardless of social or traditional standing who obstructs anti-galamsey operations will face prosecution.

The Ayensuano District has been identified as one of the illegal mining hotspots under heightened surveillance as the government intensifies its crackdown on galamsey activities nationwide.

Watch the video below

🚨JUST IN: NAIMOS Arrests Chief for Obstructing with Arrest of Prominent Galamsey Kinpin, Asenso Kwabena.#PrimeRakon pic.twitter.com/3JsGvRyVCt

— Prime Rakon (@prime_rakon) November 10, 2025