Seven arrested in galamsey operation along Boin River

Seven individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, have been arrested during a targeted enforcement operation along the Boin River at Boinso–Abrokyire in the Aowin District of the Western North Region.

According to a report by 3news.com, the suspects; four Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians, were apprehended by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

“The four Chinese nationals have been identified as Lu Weiykng (born March 17, 1982), Zhou Xuanbai (born May 15, 1986), Tan Zhongqiang (born February 25, 1973), and Zhu Jiping (born March 4, 1975),” the report stated.

The Ghanaian suspects are David Done, 32 years, from Bolgatanga; Santos Adaboo, 26 years, from Zebilla; and Naya Sampana, 44 years, also from Bolgatanga.

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The operation, carried out by the NAIMOS Enchi Task Force between 2:00pm and 4:30 pm, led to the retrieval of three pump-action guns and other equipment linked to illegal mining activities.

Officials said the exercise followed intelligence reports of ongoing galamsey operations along the Boin River.

Acting on this information, the task force moved in to verify and disrupt the activities.

Upon arrival, the team observed active mining close to the river, including the pumping and washing of minerals directly within and along the river body.

Further searches led to the discovery of a wooden structure located about 45 metres from the mining site. A thorough inspection uncovered three pump-action guns, 37 cartridges, and two Zoomlion excavator control monitors believed to have been used in the illegal operations.

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Authorities subsequently dismantled the wooden structures and set them ablaze, describing them as facilities that supported the galamsey activities.

Meanwhile, 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, the report added.

VKB/VPO