Nine Chinese nationals have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Wassa Akropong area of the Western Region.
The arrests were made by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during a recent operation carried out between August 5 and 7, 2025.
The group, which includes seven men and two women, was found actively mining without authorisation. During the operation, officials also seized four excavators, which are currently in police custody. Other mining tools and equipment found at the site were destroyed on location.
The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service as investigations continue.
The operation is part of an ongoing series of coordinated efforts by NAIMOS to clamp down on illegal mining, also known as galamsey, which continues to damage water bodies and forested lands across the country.
NAIMOS was established in March 2025 and operates under the leadership of its Director of Operations. The Secretariat has been conducting intelligence-led raids in key areas identified as illegal mining hotspots.
So far, the results have included multiple arrests and the seizure of mining machinery.
“Our mission is to protect the environment and preserve the livelihoods of communities affected by illegal mining. We will continue to carry out our work until these areas are fully reclaimed and restored,” said a spokesperson for NAIMOS.
The agency plans to continue its operations in the Amenfi and Wassa areas as part of the national strategy to fight illegal mining and reclaim degraded lands.
