Two Chinese nationals have been arrested during a coordinated anti-illegal mining operation along the Dankai River corridor at Sanfo Adiam in the Amansie East, as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on galamsey activities destroying water bodies.
The suspects, identified as Lu Honggeng, 53, and Nong Zisun, 41, were picked up during a dawn swoop conducted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) between 4 am and 7 am on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The joint task force, operating from the Manso Adubia base, launched the operation following intelligence on organised illegal mining activities along the river.
Officials said several miners were found actively working at the site when the team arrived under the cover of darkness, triggering panic and a scramble for escape.
According to NAIMOS, some suspects fled into nearby bushes, including an armed individual allegedly seen carrying a pump-action firearm, while others abandoned equipment and escaped.
Authorities expressed concern over the presence of firearms at illegal mining sites, describing it as a growing security threat linked to galamsey operations.
Investigators also revealed that miners had diverted and blocked sections of the Dankai River to create artificial dams for mining, causing severe environmental damage.
NAIMOS described the activity as a serious threat to the river’s natural flow and the livelihoods of downstream communities who depend on it.
The arrested suspects have been transferred to Accra for further investigation and are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service.
The task force says it will continue sustained operations in Amansie East and other mining hotspots as part of ongoing efforts to restore degraded water bodies and curb illegal mining nationwide.
