The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, has said his ministry cannot rule out the involvement of top officials in illegal mining. He said “Chiefs have been cited as those who have been giving out lands to the illegal miners and politicians have been cited as providing cover [for them].” The minister also said the police and national security apparatus have also been fingered in the illegal mining activities. His comment follows the arrest of 50 West African nationals as well as some Chinese illegal miners. Speaking to the BBC, Alhaji Fuseini also disputed claims that the arrest of illegal Chinese miners will damage the relationship between the two countries. He told the BBC his ministry is not arresting Chinese who are lawfully engaged in business in the country, adding “every country has the right to enforce its laws”.