Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat have arrested three Chinese nationals during a major operation targeting illegal mining activities along the Tano River in the Amenfi West District.
The riverine operation, conducted on Thursday, May 14, 2026, was carried out jointly by the NAIMOS task force and the Blue Water Guards as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities affecting water bodies across the country.
According to officials, the task force patrolled several communities situated along the riverbanks between 0300hrs and 1530hrs. Authorities noted that some previously affected areas had remained free from illegal mining operations following earlier enforcement exercises.
However, upon reaching Oforikrom, the team reportedly encountered illegal miners operating Changfan machines mounted on floating platforms directly on the river.
NAIMOS stated that several suspects fled the area immediately after spotting the approaching security personnel, but a subsequent search led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals allegedly supervising the operation.
The suspects were identified as Deng Jun, 37; Deng Bi Hua, 50; and Deng Bi Qiang, 32.
Officials said the suspects were initially transported to the NAIMOS Secretariat before being transferred to the Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra for further action.
Inspections conducted at the site reportedly revealed severe environmental degradation, including extensive pollution of the Tano River, destruction of nearby farmlands and significant reduction in the river’s depth due to mining activities.
During the operation, security personnel also seized a pump-action gun, twelve cartridges and a Toyota Hilux pickup vehicle with registration number GS 5288-22.
The task force further dismantled and destroyed more than 20 Changfan machines mounted on floating platforms, together with pipelines and temporary structures allegedly being used for the illegal mining operations.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against illegal mining along Ghana’s rivers and water bodies.
The Secretariat also urged illegal miners to consider participating in the government’s responsible cooperative mining programme introduced by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources or face the risk of prosecution and confiscation of equipment.
