The Ghana Police Service has arrested four Chinese nationals for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities locally known as galamsey in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region.
The suspects have been identified as Li Quan, aged 44; Lu Jianzheng, 36; Li Xuyu, 47; and Su Shanxing, 63.
In a statement, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Development Fund, Dr. Hannah Bisiw, and her team.
They were picked up at an unauthorised mining site in Atatam, located along the banks of the Subin and Jimi Rivers, which are crucial sources of drinking water for several communities.
During the operation, seven excavators and three pump-action guns were retrieved.
All four are currently in custody and are assisting with investigations.
The police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal mining, which continues to damage water bodies and farmlands nationwide.
