The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has successfully dismantled a foreign-led illegal mining network operating along the Bia River, following a high-impact operation in the Western North Region.
The mission, executed on December 6, formed part of NAIMOS’ ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. A 31-member task force was deployed to the Kwabena Lantey and Suibo operational zones, where officers conducted extensive sweeps from late morning until nightfall.
Upon arrival, the team uncovered a large illegal mining site hidden within thick vegetation near the river. Initial findings suggested that operators had prior warning of the raid, as several excavators had been concealed in the bush with critical components removed to avoid confiscation.
The location of the operation raised major environmental concerns. Officers observed visible signs of pollution and degradation along the Bia River, including heavy sedimentation and possible chemical contamination threatening water supplies for surrounding communities.
The operation took a critical turn in a suburb of Dadieso known as Niger after operatives recovered an abandoned mobile phone believed to belong to one of the fleeing suspects. Examination of the device revealed WhatsApp conversations linked to a contact identified as “Boss Lii,” pointing to foreign coordination behind the illegal activities.
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, NAIMOS officers tracked down and arrested nine Chinese nationals. The suspects were taken to multiple sites, where evidence directly connected them to the mining operations.
Further inspections uncovered additional environmental damage along the riverbanks, as well as makeshift camps used for accommodation and mineral processing. These structures were dismantled to prevent the suspects or others from returning.
Authorities also confiscated several items used in the illegal activities, including excavator filters, a Tecno smartphone, a water pumping machine, a mini washing device used in gold processing, mercury, and a motorbike used for mobility in the forest.
A team from the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), led by senior official Hannah Arhin, later arrived to take custody of scrap metal and remnants of heavy-duty equipment as part of a broader national recovery exercise.
Following the operation, the arrested suspects were transported under escort to NAIMOS headquarters for further investigations. Officers also engaged with personnel at the Dadieso Divisional Police Station, where assurances were given that properties linked to the suspects would be secured pending further directives.
In a shocking twist, NAIMOS revealed that an unidentified individual attempted to bribe the task force with GH¢2.7 million to secure the release of the suspects. The offer was firmly rejected, underscoring the agency’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
Despite the challenging terrain and long hours, the operation was executed successfully under strict command oversight, with real-time guidance provided by NAIMOS leadership.
Authorities described the mission as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining, emphasizing that it disrupted foreign-led operations, safeguarded a vital water resource, and reinforced Ghana’s determination to combat environmental crimes.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
