Four Chinese miners arrested, guns seized – but the boss got away. Ghana’s crackdown on illegal mining just took a dramatic turn.

• 4 Chinese miners arrested, remanded

• 5th suspect (Lee) wanted

• Guns, excavators seized in raid

• Suspects confessed; hunt for Lee continues

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Four Chinese nationals accused of illegal mining have been ordered by the Bekwai Circuit Court to remain in custody for two weeks.

The group includes:

• Two miners: Li Quan (44) and Lu Jianzhong (36)

• A mechanic, Li Xueyu (47)

• Their cook, Su Shanxiang (63)

Police prosecutor ASP Lloyd Baidoo confirmed a fifth suspect, known only as “Lee,” remains on the run.

The arrested suspects face three charges:

• Planning to mine illegally (conspiracy)
• Actual illegal mining
• Having guns and bullets without permission

Police arrested the suspects during a raid on July 27, 2025, at Old Atatam in Adansi Asokwa District. They were allegedly mining illegally near the Subin and Jimi Rivers.

The operation was conducted by:

• Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei (CEO of Minerals Development Fund) and her team

• Officers from the Ashanti South Regional Police Command

Police reported catching the suspects in the act of illegal mining during the raid. Officers recovered:

• 4 semi-automatic pump-action guns

• 20 live BB cartridges

At the mining site, authorities found:

• 11 excavators

• 4 of which had been partially dismantled (apparently to disable them)

Police transported seven excavators to their regional headquarters for impoundment.

In their official statements, the arrested suspects:

• Confessed to the illegal mining activities

• Identified the fugitive “Lee” as their employer

Authorities confirmed:

• Active efforts to arrest the remaining suspect

• Investigations are continuing

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