The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has arrested 11 Chinese nationals and seized a number of heavy-duty vehicles and mining equipment in a fresh clampdown on illegal mining at Bole/Bamboi in the Savannah Region.
The enforcement operation was carried out on Friday, July 25, 2025, when the task force moved in on a mining site in the area. According to officials, the action followed earlier intelligence that pointed to unauthorised small-scale mining activity—commonly referred to as galamsey in the locality.
Among the equipment seized were four tipper trucks with registration numbers GT 7048-25, GT 7035-25, GT 7265-25, and GT 7243-25.
Also impounded were a bulldozer (GT 5321-25), a low-bed truck (GT 1128-21), one Forland light truck, 10 drums of engine oil, 28 assorted Richlion tyres, and several motorbikes.
NAIMOS has since transported the confiscated items to its headquarters in Accra for safekeeping and further administrative procedures.
The raid forms part of a broader government drive to tackle illegal mining activities that have contributed to the destruction of farmlands, contamination of rivers, and loss of forest cover in many rural areas across the country.
Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the operation in a Facebook post dated July 27, 2025. He said it reflects the government’s continued efforts to deal with the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining.
“The NAIMOS Task Force continues to carry out operations at galamsey sites in the area,” Mr Ofosu stated.
The government is urging residents in affected communities to support the task force by reporting suspicious mining activity. Meanwhile, the 11 arrested Chinese nationals are expected to face prosecution under Ghana’s mining and immigration laws.