The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended one Chinese national and seven Ghanaians in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region during an intelligence-led operation targeting an illegal mining site at Oseikokrom on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The arrests are part of a broader, intensified nationwide crackdown aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining
NAIMOS operatives conducted a swift raid on an active illegal mining site following credible intelligence. Suspects reportedly attempted to evade arrest upon noticing the task force’s arrival but were intercepted. The operation resulted in the seizure of key mining equipment, including two Toyota Hilux pickups, two excavators, and a pump-action gun.
One excavator was successfully transported to NAIMOS’s logistics holding area in Kumasi. The second excavator, however, was immobilized at the scene by NAIMOS officers who removed its monitor and control board to prevent its removal, as it was fitted with a tracker.
Suspects and Seized Assets
The arrested individuals include Huang Weiye, a 38-year-old Chinese national, and seven Ghanaian workers. Authorities also dismantled several makeshift structures at the site, believed to have been used as hideouts by the illegal miners.
Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, affirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to continuing these targeted operations. He described the raids as “surgical” and emphasized their effectiveness in disrupting the operations of illegal mining syndicates.
Impact of Illegal Mining
NAIMOS highlighted the severe environmental and economic damage caused by illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey’. These operations are responsible for the destruction of vital cocoa farms, degradation of forest reserves, and damage to road infrastructure.
Furthermore, illegal mining activities are a significant source of pollution for major water bodies across the country, posing risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems. The Secretariat’s efforts aim to mitigate these widespread environmental and social harms.
Legal Proceedings and Future Operations
The Chinese suspect, Huang Weiye, has been transferred to NAIMOS headquarters for further investigation. He is expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for processing and potential deportation.
The seven Ghanaian suspects have been handed over to the Antoakrom Police Station. They will assist with ongoing investigations and face prosecution for their involvement in illegal mining activities.
NAIMOS’s Strategy and Outlook
Director of Operations Dominic Buah reiterated NAIMOS’s resolve to intensify these “surgical raids” across identified galamsey hotspots nationwide. This approach aims to systematically dismantle illegal mining networks and deter future operations.
The Secretariat’s proactive stance underscores the government’s commitment to combating the persistent challenge of illegal mining. The focus remains on intelligence-led operations that yield tangible results in terms of arrests and asset seizures.
Looking Ahead
NAIMOS’s continued “surgical raids” signal an escalating war against illegal mining. The public and industry stakeholders will be watching to see if these intensified efforts lead to a sustained reduction in environmental degradation and the prosecution of kingpins behind these operations. The effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Ghana Immigration Service, will also be crucial in addressing the foreign involvement in illegal mining.
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