Two Chinese nationals suspected to be engaging in illegal small-scale mining also called ‘galamsey’ have been arrested in an operation by the Nzema East Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) in the Western Region.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Frank Okpenyen told DAILY GUIDE that he led the operation in his capacity as the chairman of the MUSEC.

He said the operation was carried out on July 6, 2021at Kwakukrom in the municipality between 12noon and 6pm upon a tip off.

He said aside the two Chinese nationals, two Ghanaians were also arrested at where he described as a newly developed galamsey site at Kwakukrom.

He gave the names of the Chinese and Ghanaian suspects as Li Gou Hua, 40; Wei Hua Fen, 37; Gambo Akpandaa, 29 and Karim Abdulai, 28 years.

He said Items seized on site included 16 gallons of diesel oil, one water hose, one changfan motor and a fuel pumping motor.

He indicated that three excavators were at the site and that efforts are underway to move them from the site.

He pointed out that the suspects have been handed over to the Western Regional Police command for investigations and subsequent prosecution.