Ghana’s National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested two Chinese nationals in a recent pre-dawn raid. The May 24, 2026 operation occurred at an illegal mining site in Sanfo Adiam, Amansie East District, Ashanti Region. Lu Honggeng, aged 53, and Nong Zisun, aged 41, were apprehended at the scene.
This joint operation, working with the Blue Water Guards, uncovered extensive environmental damage. The illegal miners had completely blocked and redirected significant parts of the Dankai River. They created a large artificial dam to support their unlawful gold extraction activities. This act caused immediate ecological degradation and cut off essential water access for local agricultural communities.
The raid highlights Ghana's ongoing struggle against illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey'. This activity continues to devastate the nation's natural resources, particularly its water bodies and forest reserves. The government has invested considerable resources in combating galamsey, recognizing its severe economic and environmental consequences. Data from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources frequently points to billions of GHS lost in potential revenue and environmental restoration costs due to illegal mining.
NAIMOS officials stated that credible intelligence gathered over several days led to the tactical operation. They deployed from the Manso Adubia operational base before dawn to surprise the miners. A NAIMOS spokesperson emphasized the operation’s success in dismantling the illegal infrastructure. The spokesperson also noted the presence of a pump-action firearm at the site, which suggests a growing threat level in these illegal mining enclaves.
The two Chinese suspects have moved to the NAIMOS National Secretariat in Accra for questioning. They will then transfer to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for legal processing and a deportation review. NAIMOS has assured the public that they have dismantled all illegal blockades and dams on the Dankai River. The secretariat plans to maintain a high-alert presence in the Amansie East District to ensure the full restoration of polluted water bodies. This sustained effort aims to deter future illegal mining activities and protect Ghana’s vital natural resources.