Five arrested for illegal mining in Central North Region, including three Chinese nationals

Five individuals have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining operations in the Central North Region, the Central North Police Regional Command has confirmed.

The arrests were carried out on April 7, 2025, by the Command’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce during a targeted operation at an illegal mining site. Among the suspects are two Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals.

The Ghanaians have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba, 38, and Douglas Nyamekye, 36. The Chinese nationals are Ma Jian, 37, Ma Young, 31, and Ma Haibi, 54. All five are currently in police custody and will be processed for court.

During the operation, officers discovered two heavy-duty excavators actively being used at the site. The machines, with chassis numbers SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365E00762, were abandoned when the operators fled with the ignition keys. Police are working to trace the owners and retrieve the equipment.

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A Toyota Hilux pick-up truck, bearing registration number GE 2743-13, was also found at the scene and has since been impounded as part of ongoing investigations.

Authorities say efforts are underway to clamp down further on illegal mining activities in the region.

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