NAIMOS Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, Chinese Nationals Arrested
- NAIMOS has arrested two Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve
- The task force destroyed 12 structures and seized excavators, water pumps, and a Land Cruiser during the raid
- This forms part of the government’s efforts to clamp down on galamsey in the Western and Western North Regions
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The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested two Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Jomoro area of the Western North Region
The anti-galamsey operations, which were carried out on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, resulted in the seizure and destruction of several items.
Source: Facebook
Items seized by the NAIMOS task force included one Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (registration number GR 442-14), four excavators, and two heavy water-pumping machines.
In addition to the above, the anti-illegal mining task force also destroyed 12 makeshift structures erected by the illegal miners.
This was disclosed in a Facebook post by the Minister for Government Communications and spokesperson for the President of Ghana, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
This recent operation forms part of NAIMOS’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in Ghana.
The Facebook post detailing the anti-galamsey operation is below:
NAIMOS operations on illegal mining sites
NAIMOS has been conducting targeted raids and arrests, particularly in the Western Region, where several Chinese nationals have been apprehended in connection with illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey.
Earlier, the task force raided a notorious illegal mining site and a crime-ridden enclave at Aboso in the Prestea-Huni Valley District.
They stormed Aboso on Monday, October 6, 2025, to dismantle makeshift shanties that had long served as hideouts for illegal miners, drug dealers, and gamblers.
Meanwhile, the NAIMOS Task Force extended its sweep to the Dadwen-Dompim stretch in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, where 15 water-pumping machines, a generator and three Changfangs were seized or destroyed.
Other galamsey structures in the area were also set ablaze as part of the government’s intensified efforts to end the menace.
Netizens react to Chinese illegal miners' arrest
Ghanaians on social media have reacted to the arrest of the Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in the Western Region.
YEN.com.gh compiled a few of the reactions below:
@Gaym Ova said:
"How did they get to GHANA, who gave them permit, how did they enter the forest, what would happen to them, these are usually the questions and answers Ghanaians need o."
@Lukman Alhassan also said:
"Committed and responsible government in the fight against Galamsey. Kudus NAIMOS."
@Nana Agyemang commented:
"The should be seen working in their prison cloths on state farms proceeds from which will be used to reclaim the land they destroyed."
@Nana Yaw Bna also commented:
"Good. But who are those behind them? How did they find their way to the forest?"
Source: UGC
Woman King rejects GH¢2m to allow galamsey
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported that Nana Quasie Essiem IV, the Chief of Whindo in Effia Kwesimintsim, nicknamed the Woman King, had been praised for her stance on illegal mining.
She reportedly turned down a large amount of cash to allow galamsey in the area she rules over. Environmentalist group Arocha Ghana was among those praising the traditional leader after her actions.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
