This incident revolves around the arrest and remanding of fifteen Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian citizen for their alleged involvement in illicit mining operations within the Eastern Region of Ghana, specifically at Akyem Amenase. The Ghanaian involved, Abdul Mumin Adams, aged 42, confessed to orchestrating the arrival of the Chinese nationals to the mining site, which belonged to the complainant, Mr. George Wussah. Adams implicated an individual named Zhou as the facilitator of this arrangement. The Chinese nationals, whose ages range from 33 to 64, admitted to entering Ghana on tourist visas, lacking the necessary work permits required for engaging in any form of employment within the country. Their presence on the mining site, therefore, constituted a breach of immigration regulations in addition to the alleged illegal mining activity. The court has scheduled their next appearance for July 3, 2025.
The arrests were made following a formal complaint lodged by Mr. George Wussah, the owner of the concession at Akyem Amenase, where the illegal mining activities were taking place. He petitioned the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, alleging that unauthorized individuals were conducting mining operations on his property. This complaint prompted a swift response from law enforcement, demonstrating the seriousness with which the authorities are treating illegal mining activities. The location of the illegal mining operation within the New Abirim District of the Eastern Region, a known area for mining activity, further underscores the ongoing challenges faced in regulating such operations.
The operation to apprehend the suspects involved a collaborative effort between the CID Headquarters and the National SWAT team. Just a day after Mr. Wussah submitted his petition on June 20, 2025, a joint team was dispatched to the site at Akyem Amenase. The operation resulted in the successful arrest of all sixteen individuals present at the scene, effectively halting the illegal mining operation. The rapid response and coordinated action between different branches of law enforcement showcase a commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining promptly and decisively.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, the Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department, provided further details about the case during a press briefing. She confirmed the arrests and emphasized the ongoing investigation, specifically mentioning the effort to locate and apprehend Zhou, the individual identified by Adams as the facilitator of the Chinese nationals’ arrival at the mining site. This indicates that the investigation is not limited to the individuals apprehended on site but extends to the network that facilitated their illegal activities. The pursuit of Zhou suggests a focus on dismantling the broader support system for illegal mining operations.
DCOP Donkor’s statement also underscored the broader commitment of the Ghana Police Service to combatting organized crime in all its forms. She reiterated that the police force remains dedicated to dismantling criminal networks not only to curb illegal mining but also to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property within the country. This statement highlights the recognition that illegal mining often operates within a larger framework of organized crime and that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach targeting the entire criminal network.
Furthermore, DCOP Donkor emphasized the importance of public cooperation in assisting law enforcement efforts. She urged citizens to continue providing support and information to the police, recognizing that community involvement plays a critical role in making their work more effective. This call for public support underscores the collaborative nature of fighting crime and the need for a partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The successful apprehension of these suspects, initiated by a citizen’s petition, serves as a prime example of the effectiveness of such collaboration.
