NAIMOS Arrests 3 Chinese Nationals and a Ghanaian in Major Mpohor Galamsey Swoop

On February 9, 2026, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted a targeted operation in Ghana’s Western Region, resulting in the arrest of three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian citizen for suspected illegal mining (“galamsey”). The raid at Adum Banso K9 in the Mpohor District underscores the persistent challenge of unlicensed mining operations and the government’s renewed enforcement efforts. This report provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized breakdown of the incident, its context within Ghana’s mining sector, the legal framework, and practical advice for stakeholders.

Introduction: The Persistent Scourge of Galamsey in Ghana

Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and socioeconomic issues. Characterized by unlicensed, often destructive extraction of gold and other minerals, galamsey operations devastate landscapes, pollute water bodies with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, and undermine the formal mining sector’s revenue and regulatory compliance. The establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) marked a significant escalation in the state’s militarized approach to combating this menace. The recent arrests in Mpohor are not an isolated event but a clear signal of ongoing, intelligence-driven operations in key hotspots, particularly in Ghana’s forested and mineral-rich Western and Ashanti Regions. This incident highlights the transnational nature of the problem, involving foreign nationals alongside local actors, and raises critical questions about enforcement, legal consequences, and long-term solutions.

Key Points of the Mpohor Operation

The NAIMOS operation on Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., yielded immediate and tangible results. The following are the confirmed, factual key points from the official statement:

• Arrests: Four suspects—three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian—were apprehended.
• Location: The illegal mining site was identified as Adum Banso K9 within the Mpohor District, Western Region.
• Operational Basis: The raid was executed based on prior intelligence regarding ongoing illegal mining activities at the specific location.
• Suspects’ Actions: Upon the task force’s arrival, the suspects attempted to flee in two separate vehicles.
• Vehicles Seized:
  • A Mitsubishi pickup with registration number GT 3850-13.
  • A Toyota Highlander with registration number GS 572-25.
• Evidence of Evasion: Investigators found fresh tracks from two excavators that had been hastily relocated and hidden in nearby vegetation, indicating an attempt to conceal evidence and evade arrest.
• Equipment Dismantled: Other mining equipment and materials associated with the illegal operation were dismantled and disabled on-site.
• Official Stance: NAIMOS publicly reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against galamsey nationwide and warned that perpetrators would face the full rigor of the law.

Background: Understanding Ghana’s Galamsey Crisis

The Historical and Socioeconomic Roots of Galamsey

Galamsey is not a new phenomenon. Its proliferation accelerated in the early 2000s following a surge in global gold prices and periods of economic hardship. For many, particularly in rural communities with limited opportunities, galamsey represents a swift, albeit risky, source of income. The practice is fueled by a complex web of factors: porous borders facilitating the entry of foreign nationals (often with technical expertise and capital), corruption within regulatory bodies, weak law enforcement in remote areas, and high unemployment. The involvement of foreign actors, including Chinese nationals as seen in this case, often points to the capital-intensive and mechanized nature of some modern galamsey operations, which are far more destructive than traditional small-scale mining.

Environmental and Health Catastrophe

The environmental damage from galamsey is severe and long-lasting. Forests are cleared, topsoil is stripped, and vast pits are excavated, leading to erosion and landslides. The use of mercury for gold amalgamation and cyanide for leaching contaminates rivers and streams, poisoning aquatic life and entering the food chain. The once-pristine waters of Ghana’s major rivers, such as the Pra and Ankobrah, have been turned into toxic, reddish sludge, affecting downstream communities, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation. The health implications for miners and local residents include respiratory problems, skin diseases, neurological damage from mercury, and increased cancer risks.

The Legal and Institutional Framework

Ghana’s mining sector is governed primarily by the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Constitution of Ghana, 1992. The Constitution vests all minerals in “the President in trust for the people of Ghana.” Act 703 mandates that mining can only be conducted under a valid license or permit issued by the Minerals Commission. Small-scale mining is reserved for Ghanaian citizens, with specific provisions and community mining schemes introduced to formalize the sector. Operating without a license is a criminal offense. The creation of NAIMOS under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources represents a dedicated, inter-agency task force with a mandate to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle illegal mining operations, often working with military and police support.

Analysis: Dissecting the Mpohor Incident and Its Implications

Operational Significance and Methodology

The Mpohor operation demonstrates a shift towards proactive, intelligence-led policing rather than reactive raids. The fact that NAIMOS had prior knowledge of the site allowed for a planned intervention. The discovery of hidden excavators confirms a standard modus operandi for galamsey operators: maintaining minimal on-site equipment during active hours and quickly concealing heavy machinery when authorities are suspected to be near. This cat-and-mouse game necessitates swift, decisive action to secure evidence. The seizure of two distinct, registered vehicles is crucial for the investigation, as vehicle ownership records can lead to financiers and broader networks behind the operations.

The Foreign Element: Chinese Nationals in Ghana’s Galamsey

The arrest of Chinese nationals is a recurring theme in Ghana’s galamsey narrative. While many Chinese citizens are involved in legitimate business and infrastructure projects, a subset has been implicated in illegal mining, often accused of bringing in sophisticated, high-capacity equipment that accelerates environmental destruction. Their involvement frequently sparks diplomatic tensions and nationalist sentiment. The legal process for foreign nationals involves standard criminal procedure but may also involve immigration authorities for potential visa violations or deportation following any prison sentence. This aspect underscores the need for robust cross-border cooperation and stricter vetting of work permits for the mining sector.

Legal Consequences for the Accused

The four arrested individuals will face charges under Act 703. Typical charges include:

• Illegal Mining (Section 99): Operating without a valid license or permit.
• Unlawful Possession of Mining Equipment: For the seized vehicles and dismantled machinery.
• Environmental Offenses: Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), for pollution and land degradation.
• Conspiracy to Commit a Crime: Given the coordinated attempt to flee and hide evidence.

Penalties can include significant fines, forfeiture of equipment, and imprisonment. For foreign nationals, a conviction often leads to deportation after serving any sentence. The case will also trigger investigations into potential accomplices, financiers, and any officials who may have facilitated the operation.

Practical Advice: For Communities, Media, and Stakeholders

For Communities Living in Mining-Areas

If you suspect illegal mining activity in your community:

• Report Safely: Use official NAIMOS hotlines or report to the local Chief, District Assembly, or Police. Anonymous reporting mechanisms may be available.
• Document Evidence: If safe to do so, take photos/videos of excavators, water pollution, or suspect activities. Note vehicle license plates and descriptions.
• Know Your Rights: You have the right to a clean and healthy environment as per Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution. Advocate for the enforcement of mining rehabilitation bonds.
• Support Alternative Livelihoods: Engage with NGOs and government agencies offering training in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, or ecotourism as alternatives to galamsey.

For Journalists and Media Outlets

Covering galamsey requires sensitivity and accuracy:

• Verify Sources: Rely on official statements from NAIMOS, Minerals Commission, or EPA. Cross-check claims about foreign nationality through official channels.
• Contextualize: Report the incident within the broader historical, environmental, and legal context of galamsey. Avoid sensationalist headlines that fuel xenophobia.
• Protect Sources: Whistleblowers and community informants may face risks. Ensure their anonymity if requested.
• Highlight Solutions: Alongside enforcement news, report on successful reclamation projects, community mining schemes, and technological innovations for monitoring.

For Policymakers and Regulatory Agencies

The recurring arrests indicate systemic gaps:

• Enhance Surveillance: Invest in satellite and drone monitoring for real-time detection of illegal operations in remote areas.
• Strengthen the Small-Scale Mining Regime: Fast-track the formalization of artisanal miners through accessible licensing, provision of legal mining equipment, and access to mining concessions.
• Enforce Rehabilitation Bonds: Ensure all licensed companies post adequate bonds that are automatically forfeited for environmental violations, funding restoration.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: Improve data sharing between NAIMOS, Minerals Commission, EPA, Immigration, and the Financial Intelligence Center to dismantle entire criminal networks, not just foot soldiers.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on NAIMOS and Galamsey

What does NAIMOS stand for and what is its mandate?

NAIMOS stands for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat. It is a specialized task force under Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Its core mandate is to coordinate national efforts to investigate, suppress, and prosecute illegal mining (galamsey) activities. It works in collaboration with the military, police, and other security agencies.

What are the legal penalties for illegal mining in Ghana?

Under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), illegal mining is a serious offense. Penalties include:

• Seizure and forfeiture of all equipment, machinery, and minerals.
• Heavy fines, often calculated based on the value of the minerals illegally extracted.
• Imprisonment. The exact term is at the court’s discretion but can be several years for aggravated cases involving environmental damage or organized networks.
• For foreign nationals, a deportation order following conviction and sentence.

Why are foreign nationals, particularly Chinese, involved in galamsey?

The involvement is multifaceted. Some foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, may:

• Enter Ghana on legitimate visas (e.g., for trade or infrastructure projects) but then engage in illegal mining on the side.
• Be recruited by local syndicates for their technical skills in operating heavy machinery.
• Provide capital and equipment for operations that are too capital-intensive for local artisanal miners, blurring the line between small-scale and large-scale illegal operations.
• Exploit regulatory loopholes and corruption to acquire land and operate with perceived impunity. This is a complex issue requiring stricter immigration and business licensing enforcement.

What is the difference between licensed small-scale mining and galamsey?

Licensed Small-Scale Mining: Is legal, registered with the Minerals Commission, operates on a designated plot (max 25 acres), uses approved methods, pays royalties and taxes, and is often part of community mining schemes. It is subject to environmental management plans and reclamation obligations.

Galamsey (Illegal Mining): Is unlicensed, operates anywhere without permission (including forest reserves, farms, and water bodies), uses environmentally destructive methods (e.g., indiscriminate use of mercury), evades taxes and royalties, and causes severe pollution without any rehabilitation plan. It is a criminal activity.

How can the public help combat galamsey?

The public can help by:

• Reporting suspected illegal mining activities promptly to NAIMOS, police, or district authorities.
• Refusing to buy gold from unverified, informal sources that may be linked to galamsey.
• Supporting environmental advocacy groups and demanding accountability from elected representatives.
• Participating in community watchdog groups and tree-planting/reclamation initiatives.
• Verifying the licensing status of any mining operation before engaging with it.

Conclusion: Beyond Arrests Toward Sustainable Solutions

The arrest of three Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian in Mpohor is a textbook example of NAIMOS’s operational mandate. It sends a deterrent message and seizes tangible assets of illegal operations. However, sustainable victory over galamsey requires more than periodic swoops and arrests. It demands a holistic strategy that addresses root causes: poverty, lack of alternative livelihoods, weak land-use planning, and systemic corruption. While robust enforcement, as demonstrated in this case, is a necessary component to break the power of criminal syndicates, it must be coupled with the aggressive formalization and support of the law-abiding small-scale mining sector, massive investment in land reclamation and water purification, and unwavering political will to protect Ghana’s natural heritage. The long-term health of Ghana’s environment, economy, and communities depends on moving from a cycle of destruction and arrest to one of regulated extraction, restoration, and shared benefit.

Sources and Further Reading

• Official Statement: National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Press Release on Mpohor Operation, February 9, 2026.
• Primary Legislation: Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). Government of Ghana.
• Constitutional Basis: The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992. Article 257(6) and Article 24.
• Environmental Law: Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490).
• Government Policy: Ghana’s National Mining Policy and the Multi-S