The Col. Dominic Buah has revealed that most arrests in Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, or “galamsey,” involve foreign nationals—particularly Chinese citizens—raising serious concerns about security and environmental destruction.
Speaking at the NAIMOS Editors’ Forum on Wednesday, March 25, Col. Buah disclosed that Chinese nationals account for a significant number of those apprehended in galamsey operations.
“I talked about arrests, and the majority of them are Chinese,” he said, noting that even the Chinese Ambassador has expressed concern over the involvement of his nationals in illegal mining activities.
“These individuals do not pass through his hands, but he is alarmed at the scale of involvement,” Col. Buah added.
He warned that these activities are causing serious damage to Ghana’s natural resources.
“These are the people who are destroying our lands, forests, and water bodies. We need to watch that space very carefully,” he cautioned.
Col. Buah also highlighted the arrest of other foreign nationals, including 32 Nigerians detained during a single operation in Osino.
“At Osino, in one night, we arrested 32 Nigerians. We often gloss over the security implications, but this represents a significant risk,” he said.
According to the NAIMOS Director, the agency is working closely with national security authorities to verify the status of all foreign nationals arrested during operations.
“In collaboration with national security, we identify the status of individuals whenever they are arrested. There is a clear protocol,” he explained.
Foreign suspects are processed through NAIMOS and then handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.
“For foreigners, they are processed through NAIMOS and handed over to immigration, where the enforcement unit takes over. Some face trial, while others are deported,” Col. Buah said.
In cases involving Chinese nationals where evidence may be limited, authorities coordinate with the Chinese Embassy, often leading to blacklisting of the individuals.
“Through the Chinese Embassy, they are reported, and once done formally, they are blacklisted and cannot return,” he noted, citing a case of a suspect who tried to evade arrest but was later tracked and deported to China.
“One of them attempted to escape with a large sum of money, but we trailed him, brought him back, and he has been returned to China. We are still monitoring him,” Col. Buah said.
He assured that NAIMOS will continue providing regular updates on operations, including arrests and seizures, stressing that accountability remains central to the fight against illegal mining.
“Accountability is key in this fight. We will continue to make our data on arrests and seizures available on a regular basis,” he affirmed.