Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have arrested three Chinese nationals during a major anti-galamsey operation along the Tano River in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, May 14, 2026, formed part of ongoing efforts by NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards to clamp down on illegal mining activities destroying Ghana’s major water bodies.
According to officials, the operation lasted from about 3:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with task force members patrolling several communities along the Tano River where illegal mining activities have been escalating in recent months.
NAIMOS stated that although some previously raided areas showed signs of reduced illegal mining activity, the task force encountered active galamsey operations at Oforikrom, where miners were allegedly operating Changfan machines mounted on floating platforms directly on the river.
Officials said many of the illegal miners fled into nearby bushes immediately after spotting the approaching security personnel.
However, a search conducted at the site led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals suspected of supervising the operation.
The suspects were identified as Deng Jun, Deng Bi Hua, and Deng Bi Qiang.
The suspects were initially transported to the NAIMOS Secretariat before being handed over to the Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Task force personnel also discovered extensive environmental destruction at the site, including severe pollution of the Tano River caused by mineral washing and sediment discharge directly into the water body.
Officials further noted that sections of nearby farmlands had been heavily degraded by the illegal mining activities.
According to NAIMOS, inspections revealed that the depth of portions of the Tano River had significantly reduced due to continuous dredging and illegal mining activities along the riverbanks.
NAIMOS has meanwhile reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement operations against illegal miners, insisting that no individual or organised group involved in destroying Ghana’s environment will be spared.
