The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested ten (10) Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.

According to a statement released by the task force, the arrests were made during a dawn operation on Thursday, following several weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance in the area.

The coordinated operation forms part of NAiMOS’ intensified nationwide campaign to clamp down on illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves.

The statement noted that the suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, while the team has also seized excavators, water pumps, and other mining equipment from the site.

NAiMOS reiterated its commitment to enforcing mining laws and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of nationality, are held accountable for environmental offences.

“These arrests demonstrate our resolve to protect Ghana’s natural resources and uphold the rule of law.

No one will be spared in the fight against illegal mining,” the statement emphasised.

The Secretariat assured the public that further investigations are ongoing to identify the local collaborators and financiers behind the operation.