A military-led task force arrested 11 Chinese nationals in Ellembelle on June 19, 2025.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS) to tackle illegal mining activities in Ghana’s Western Region.
The arrests took place in the town of Akropong, where the miners were found actively working along the Ankobra River.
Several excavators, water-pumping machines known as changfans, and vehicles were seized.
Makeshift shelters and other mining equipment at the site were also destroyed.
The 11 individuals were transported to Accra the following day and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigation.
The transfer was confirmed by NAIMOS Director of Operations, who handed them over to Senior Inspector Jyampah early Friday morning.
“This is not just about law enforcement. It’s about protecting our natural resources for future generations,” said a NAIMOS task force member at the scene.
This operation follows a series of crackdowns in other parts of the Western Region, including Jomoro and Evalue Dwira, as authorities ramp up efforts to curb illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
These activities continue to pose a serious threat to water bodies and forest reserves across the country.
The task force has pledged to continue its mission with renewed commitment, working to end illegal mining practices that endanger communities and ecosystems.
