As part of its continuous efforts to combat the menace of illegal mining, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested three (3) Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining activities at Adum Banso K9 in the Mpohor District of the Western Region.

The arrests were effected during a surprise, intelligence-led operation conducted on Monday, February 9, 2026, at about 11:20 hours, at an illegal mining site in the area.

During the carefully planned and coordinated raid, the taskforce apprehended the three (3) Chinese nationals together with one (1) Ghanaian national, believed to be the foreman of the illegal mining site.

Upon detecting the presence of the taskforce, the suspects attempted to flee the site using two (2) vehicles but were swiftly intercepted and arrested.

The suspects were arrested onboard the following vehicles:
• 1 × Mitsubishi Pickup (Registration No. GT 3850-13)
• 1 × Toyota Highlander (Registration No. GS 572-25)

Further assessment of the site revealed tracks of two (2) excavators, which had been hurriedly relocated and concealed in nearby bushes by the illegal miners prior to the arrival of the taskforce.



The taskforce subsequently immobilised the two (2) excavators to prevent their further use in illegal mining activities. Owing to the unavailability of lowbed services, the taskforce removed two (2) control boards and two (2) oil pumps to render the machines inoperative.

Items seized during the operation include:
• 1 × Toyota Highlander
• 1 × Mitsubishi Pickup

In addition, the taskforce dismantled and disabled other equipment and materials being used by the illegal miners at the site.

The three (3) Chinese nationals, together with the seized vehicles, have been conveyed to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigations and subsequent handover to the Ghana Immigration Service in accordance with established procedures.

The Ghanaian suspect, identified as Isaac Armah, has also been handed over to the Mpohor Police Station to assist with investigations and prosecution.

The Secretariat, led by the Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Dr Colonel Buah, wishes to assure the general public that it will continue to intensify such surgical and intelligence-driven operations across all illegal mining hotspots nationwide, despite operational challenges including the lack of adequate patrol vehicles, lowbeds, and drone surveillance equipment.

NAIMOS remains resolute and unwavering in its mandate, as sustained operations continue to disrupt entrenched illegal mining networks that destroy cocoa farms, forest reserves, road infrastructure, and cause severe pollution of the nation’s water bodies.