The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce has arrested three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian in an intelligence-led operation at an illegal mining site at Adum Banso K9 in the Mpohor District of the Western Region.
The raid, shared by the Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, on Facebook on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, was conducted on Monday, February 9, at about 11:20 a.m., following surveillance of activities at the galamsey site.
During the coordinated operation, the suspects attempted to flee upon sensing the taskforce’s approach, using two vehicles. They were, however, swiftly intercepted and arrested.
The suspects were apprehended aboard a Mitsubishi pickup with registration number GT 3850-13 and a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS 572-25.
A further assessment of the site revealed tracks of two excavators, which had been hastily moved and concealed in nearby bushes before the taskforce arrived. To prevent their further use in illegal mining, the officers immobilised the machines. Due to the unavailability of lowbed services, they removed two control boards and two oil pumps, rendering the excavators inoperable.
The taskforce also seized the two vehicles found at the site and destroyed several other items and equipment used in the illicit operations.
The three Chinese nationals, along with the seized vehicles, have been taken to the NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigations and subsequent handover to the Ghana Immigration Service, in line with standard procedure. 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.
Speaking on the operation, Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, said the Secretariat would continue to conduct intelligence-led and targeted raids in illegal mining hotspots across the country despite operational challenges.
He noted that constraints such as a shortage of patrol vehicles, lowbeds, and drones have not deterred the taskforce from pursuing its mandate.
Colonel Buah emphasised that the intensified operations and strategies deployed by NAIMOS are disrupting entrenched illegal mining networks that continue to destroy cocoa farms, forest reserves, and road infrastructure, while severely polluting the nation’s water bodies.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
