Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) have arrested three Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region.

The operation, which took place on Thursday, 14 May 2026, between 0300hrs and 1530hrs, was carried out by a NAiMOS task force in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards.

The exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining (galamsey) activities along Ghana’s major water bodies.

During the patrol, the team observed that some previously monitored areas remained free of illegal mining activities, indicating progress in enforcement efforts.

However, upon reaching Oforikrom, the task force encountered illegal miners actively operating Changfan machines mounted on floating platforms directly on the Tano River.

On sighting the approaching task force, several of the miners fled the scene to evade arrest.

A subsequent search of the area led to the apprehension of three Chinese nationals who were found supervising the illegal operations.

The suspects have been identified as Deng Jun, 37; Deng Bi Hua, 50; and Deng Bi Qiang, 32.

The three suspects have since been transferred to the NAiMOS Secretariat and subsequently handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service Enforcement Unit in Accra for further investigations and possible prosecution.

Inspection of the site revealed extensive environmental degradation caused by the illegal activities.

The Tano River was found to be heavily polluted, while large portions of surrounding farmlands had been destroyed.

The operations had also significantly reduced the depth of the river, raising concerns about long-term ecological damage.

In addition to the arrests, the task force retrieved several items from the site, including one pump-action firearm, twelve cartridges, and a Toyota Hilux pickup vehicle with registration number GS-5288-22.

In line with NAiMOS operational directives, the team dismantled and destroyed more than twenty Changfan machines mounted on floating platforms, along with several pipelines and makeshift structures used in the illegal mining activities.

NAiMOS has reiterated its commitment to eradicating illegal mining along the country’s water bodies and continues to warn individuals involved in such activities to desist.

The Secretariat is urging miners to embrace the government’s regulated and responsible community mining programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources or risk losing their equipment and facing legal consequences.