Ghana Arrests 11 Chinese For Illegal Mining At Bole Bamboi In Major Crackdown
In a swift anti-galamsey operation, 11 Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force during a raid at Bole/Bamboi in Ghana’s Savannah Region. The enforcement action took place on Friday, July 25, 2025, following intelligence reports about unauthorised mining activities in the area.
The raid led to the seizure of several heavy-duty vehicles and mining equipment, spotlighting renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, also known locally as galamsey.
Heavy equipment impounded during the raid
The operation uncovered significant equipment used in illegal operations, including:
- Four tipper trucks: GT 7048-25, GT 7035-25, GT 7265-25, GT 7243-25
- One bulldozer: GT 5321-25
- One low-bed truck: GT 1128-21
- One Forland light truck
- Ten drums of engine oil
- 28 assorted Richlion tyres
- Several motorbikes
All confiscated items have since been relocated to NAIMOS headquarters in Accra for inventory, safekeeping, and administrative processing.
Environmental implications and government commitment
This operation is part of the government’s broader war against illegal mining, which has resulted in:
- Widespread destruction of farmland
- Contamination of rivers and water bodies
- Severe deforestation in rural areas
Speaking on the operation, Minister for Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the raid in a Facebook post dated July 27, 2025. He noted that the government remains committed to eliminating illegal mining operations that degrade Ghana’s natural resources.
“The NAIMOS Task Force continues to carry out operations at galamsey sites in the area,” Mr. Ofosu stated.
Local support crucial to sustaining enforcement
Residents in affected communities are being urged to support the crackdown by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with law enforcement agencies. Authorities stress that community vigilance is vital to maintaining long-term success in fighting illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the arrested Chinese nationals will be prosecuted under Ghana’s mining and immigration laws, setting a precedent for dealing with foreign nationals engaged in unauthorized mineral exploitation.
Call to action: Report galamsey, protect Ghana’s future
Illegal mining is not just a legal issue — it’s a national emergency. Citizens must play their part by:
- Reporting suspicious mining sites
- Refusing to shield illegal operators
- Supporting government initiatives aimed at land and water preservation
Let us all work together to defend Ghana’s natural resources and uphold the rule of law.
Take-home messages
- 11 Chinese nationals were arrested in an illegal mining raid at Bole Bamboi.
- Heavy-duty vehicles and significant mining equipment were seized by NAIMOS.
- The raid reflects Ghana’s intensified efforts to combat galamsey and environmental degradation.
- Local community cooperation remains critical to the success of these operations.
- The government is promising strict legal action against both foreign and local perpetrators of illegal mining.
