The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has arrested two Chinese nationals and intercepted several Burkinabè workers in separate anti-galamsey operations in the Western North and Western Regions.

On Wednesday, 8 October 2025, the Task Force stormed the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro after intelligence indicated that illegal mining was taking place along the Tano River.

Access was initially delayed by Forest Guards, but operatives forced entry into the reserve, where they discovered an active mining site.

A Toyota Land Cruiser V8 attempted to flee, but two Chinese nationals on board were apprehended. A third suspect managed to escape.

The team found four excavators, three of which had already been immobilised, while the fourth was disabled on-site.

Investigators also discovered evidence of river diversion, two heavy-duty water pumps, and 12 makeshift mining structures, all of which were destroyed.

A range of items was seized, including cash amounting to GH¢10,050, mobile phones, radio communication equipment, fuel drums, and control boards.

NAIMOS has since transferred the two Chinese suspects to its headquarters in Accra for further action.

Preliminary findings suggest that the arrested Chinese nationals had been operating under the cover of the Jomoro Community Mining Project, allegedly granted by the local chief, Nana Kwame Nkansah.

According to NAIMOS, the pair are believed to be financiers of galamsey in the area, providing logistical and financial backing to illegal miners.

The Task Force warned: “NAIMOS will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any foreign nationals or local sponsors found to be aiding or engaging in galamsey.”

In a separate operation at Essipong, near Asankrangwa in the Western Region, the Task Force visited Bugart Mining, where Burkinabè nationals were found working at a site located near the Kwama stream and a major road.

Although the owners claimed to have obtained a licence in 2012, operatives raised concerns about the employment of foreign nationals at the site.

A CAT excavator was immobilised, and NAIMOS directed the owners to report to its Accra headquarters on Thursday, 9 October, with all Burkinabè workers for verification.