Two Chinese nationals, Huan Ciongjian, 38, and Ling Yong, 56, have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service, while eleven Ghanaians face court charges for their involvement in illegal mining activities in the Western Region.

The Chinese suspects were arrested along the Bonsa River as part of an ongoing operation by the Western Central Regional Police Command aimed at clamping down on illegal mining. They are currently in the custody of the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigation and potential repatriation.

Meanwhile, seven Ghanaians—including Ibrahim Dauda, Michael Tettey Komlorm, Douglas Ayambila, Elvis Aborta, Nsoh Oto (alias Agorogo), Kwadwo George (alias Sergio), and Emmanuel Van (alias Atta)—have been arraigned before the Special Court for Illegal Mining at Sekondi.

They face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and conducting mining operations without a valid license. The court has remanded them into custody, with a scheduled hearing for April 17, 2025.

Additionally, four other suspects are expected to appear before the court for similar offenses.

The operation is part of a larger initiative by the police to curb the environmental destruction caused by illegal and unregulated mining practices.