A joint operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards has led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals following a pre-dawn raid on an illegal mining enclave along the Dankai River in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, which took place between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, targeted illegal mining activities at Sanfo Adiam in the Amansie East District after authorities received intelligence about organized galamsey operations along the river corridor.
According to the task force, operatives moved from their base at Manso Adubia under the cover of darkness in an effort to reach the mining sites before the operators could abandon the area.
Upon arrival, security personnel reportedly found several individuals actively mining along sections of the river. While some Ghanaian operators managed to flee into nearby bushes, officials disclosed that one of the fleeing suspects was seen carrying a pump-action firearm.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals identified as Lu Honggeng, 53, and Nong Zisun, 41, who allegedly attempted to escape but were later apprehended after a pursuit by the task force.
Investigators say the illegal miners had blocked and diverted portions of the Dankai River into an artificial dam system designed to channel water directly into mining infrastructure being used at the site.
Authorities described the environmental destruction caused by the operation as severe, warning that the diversion of the river posed serious risks to the river’s ecological balance and to communities downstream that depend on the water source for domestic and economic activities.
NAIMOS reportedly characterized the river diversion as a “profound assault” on the hydrological integrity of the Dankai River and a threat to surrounding communities.
The arrested suspects have since been transported to the NAIMOS Secretariat in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations. Officials say the suspects are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.
The latest operation forms part of intensified nationwide efforts by government agencies to clamp down on illegal mining activities, particularly along major water bodies increasingly threatened by galamsey operations.