The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) on April 11, 2026, arrested seven individuals—four Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians—during a targeted enforcement operation along the Boin River at Boinso–Abrokyire in the Aowin District of the Western North Region.
The operation, carried out by the NAIMOS Enchi Task Force on Saturday, April 11, 2026, between 1400 and 1630 hours, also led to the retrieval of three pump-action guns and other equipment linked to illegal mining activities.
Acting on intelligence regarding ongoing illegal mining along the Boin River, the task force moved to the area to verify and disrupt the operations.
Upon arrival, officers observed active mining activities close to the river, including the pumping and washing of minerals directly within and along the river body, posing a serious threat to the water source and the surrounding environment.
A wooden structure located approximately 45 metres from the mining site was identified and searched. The search uncovered three pump-action guns and 37 cartridges.
Additionally, two Zoomlion excavator control monitors were retrieved from the site.
The task force dismantled and set ablaze wooden structures believed to be facilitating the illegal mining operations.
All seven suspects were arrested at the scene without resistance.
The three Ghanaian suspects are David Done, 32, from Bolgatanga; Santos Adaboo, 26, from Zibilla; and Naya Sampana, 44, also from Bolgatanga.
The Ghanaian suspects have been handed over to the Boinso Police Station for further investigation and processing.
No casualties, injuries, or security incidents were recorded during the operation.
NAIMOS described the discovery of firearms and ammunition at the site as a serious development, highlighting the increasing level of organisation and armament among illegal mining networks.
The Secretariat noted that the presence of weapons will inform future operations in the area.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to conducting sustained monitoring and follow-up operations at Boinso–Abrokyire, as it works to protect Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and natural resources from illegal exploitation.
3news
