The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Northern Command of the Ghana Army and the Ghana Police Service, has arrested 10 suspected illegal miners at Kpali, near Gbinyiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region.
The suspects comprise three Chinese nationals and seven Ghanaians, who were allegedly found actively engaged in illegal mining at the site.
The operation, conducted from August 25 to 27, 2026, followed a reconnaissance mission on August 19 which confirmed reports of illegal mining activities in the area.
According to NAIMOS, the joint team also observed extensive environmental degradation at the mining site.
Mining equipment and firearms seized
During the operation, the security team seized two excavators, three excavator monitors, a Toyota Hilux vehicle, a fuel bowser and other mining equipment.
The team also recovered three firearms and 25 live cartridges.
To prevent the immediate return of the miners to the site, the task force dismantled 15 makeshift structures and destroyed a generator allegedly being used for mining operations.
NAIMOS said the arrested suspects and the relevant exhibits have been handed over to the Savannah Regional Police Command in Damongo for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The heavy-duty equipment has meanwhile been secured at designated holding facilities.
Continued fight against illegal mining
NAIMOS said the operation forms part of its ongoing collaboration with the security agencies to combat illegal mining and protect the environment and water bodies from further degradation.
The Secretariat said it will continue working with the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service and other relevant institutions to disrupt illegal mining activities and protect vulnerable areas across the Savannah Region.
