The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has dismantled a well-organised multinational illegal mining syndicate operating within the communities of Ntabanu and Nyameadom in Mankraso, leading to the arrest of three Chinese nationals and four Ghanaian operators. The operation, carried out on Saturday, 2 May 2026, also resulted in the seizure of four vehicles, an excavator, and a tricycle.

According to NAiMOS, the operation began as a routine patrol within the Mankraso operational corridor but quickly escalated when taskforce operatives intercepted a brown Zonda pickup vehicle speeding away from a galamsey site at Ntabanu. The driver, later identified as a Chinese national, was reportedly attempting to flee after word of the taskforce’s presence spread among illegal miners in the area.

Further intelligence revealed that several operators had begun halting their activities and concealing heavy-duty equipment, including excavators, in anticipation of a crackdown.

However, the swift response by the taskforce blocked the escape of the suspect, leading to his immediate arrest.

In a related development at nearby Nyameadom, the taskforce intercepted another group comprising two Chinese nationals and four Ghanaian operators.

The group was reportedly fleeing in a convoy of three vehicles—Nissan Navara, Nissan Oting, and Toyota Hilux—after abandoning an excavator at an active mining site.

Authorities noted that the suspects were attempting to evade arrest following the extensive destruction of farmlands and the pollution of the River Mankran, a vital water source for communities within the Mankraso area.

The taskforce successfully blocked the convoy and arrested all six suspects without resistance or casualties.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Su Zhoxiang, 43; Wei Renguang, 54; Tan Shishian, 50; and four Ghanaians—Kumi Richard, 34; Justice Nkrumah, 37; Emmanuel Nyeri, 25; and Francis Mintah, 23.

 search of the operational sites led to the retrieval of GH¢2,750 from the Zonda pickup, along with the seizure of all four vehicles used by the syndicate. The abandoned excavator and an “Aboboyaa” tricycle were also confiscated. Additionally, authorities recovered assorted and expired non-citizen identification cards from the Chinese suspects.

The four Ghanaian suspects have been handed over to the Mankraso District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. Meanwhile, the three Chinese nationals have been transferred to NAIMOS Headquarters and are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.

The seized excavator has since been transported to the NAiMOS logistics holding facility in Kumasi for safekeeping.

NAiMOS indicated that the operation highlights the continued involvement of foreign nationals in financing and executing illegal mining activities despite legal restrictions prohibiting their participation in small-scale mining in Ghana. The scale of logistics uncovered, including multiple vehicles and heavy equipment, underscores the structured nature of illegal mining networks operating within the Ashanti Region.

The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining, assuring the public that all individuals involved—both foreign and local—will be pursued and prosecuted as part of ongoing efforts to protect the country’s natural resources.