Seven suspects, including four Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians, have been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in a crackdown on illegal mining activities at Boinso–Abrokyire in the Aowin District of the Western North Region.
The arrests were made on Saturday, April 11, 2026, during an operation carried out by the NAIMOS Enchi Task Force between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., following intelligence on ongoing illegal mining along the Boin River.
According to NAIMOS, the task force arrived at the site and found active mining operations being conducted dangerously close to the river, with evidence of mineral washing and pumping taking place within and along the water body posing a serious threat to the environment.
A search of a nearby wooden structure, located about 45 metres from the mining site, led to the discovery of three pump-action guns and 37 cartridges. Officers also retrieved two excavator control monitors believed to be linked to the illegal mining activities.
The task force dismantled and burned down structures used to support the operations.
The four Chinese nationals arrested were identified as Lu Weiykng, Zhou Xuanbai, Tan Zhongqiang, and Zhu Jiping. The Ghanaian suspects are David Done, 32, and Naya Sampana, 44, both from Bolgatanga, as well as Santos Adaboo, 26, from Zibilla.
The Ghanaian suspects have been handed over to the Boinso Police Station for further investigations, while authorities continue to process the case.
NAIMOS described the recovery of firearms at the site as a serious development, warning that illegal mining operations are becoming increasingly organised and armed.
The Secretariat said it will intensify monitoring and follow-up operations in the area as part of efforts to protect Ghana’s water bodies and natural resources from illegal exploitation.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
