Ten Chinese nationals face court over illegal mining
By DL News
Published
2 min read
The suspects face four counts, including conspiracy to commit crime, undertaking mining operations as non-Ghanaians, and possession of firearms and ammunition without lawful authority.
Ten Chinese nationals are expected to appear before the Accra Circuit Court today, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, for allegedly engaging in illegal mining and possessing firearms and ammunition without authorization.
The accused — Qin Jia Jiang (68), Li Jun Zhen (23), Liang You Quing (59), Yang Feng Quan (38), Lan Yong Quan (52), Wan Kai Quang (52), Lu Jin Yi (42), Yang Lei (30), Huang Hong Fu (39) and Bai Run Xian (51) — were arrested during a security operation at Mankranso in the Ashanti Region on October 24, 2025.
The suspects face four counts, including conspiracy to commit crime, undertaking mining operations as non-Ghanaians, and possession of firearms and ammunition without lawful authority.
They were first arraigned on November 6, 2025, before Her Honour Susana Eduful, who remanded them into police custody for a week to allow for further investigation.
The court noted that although the charges had been reviewed, the legitimacy of their mining operations had not been verified. The judge indicated that the remand was in the interest of justice, adding that bail could be considered at the next sitting.
According to the prosecution, a joint security task force—comprising personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Immigration Service, and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB)—launched a patrol at Mankranso as part of efforts to curb illegal mining (galamsey).
The operation, led by Lt. Adjei from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, uncovered a camp at Abusa Village where the suspects were allegedly engaged in illicit mining.
During the raid, security personnel seized 18 tanks of fuel, a gold-washing machine, 10 pump-action shotguns, and a large box of BB ammunition.
The suspects and confiscated items were transported to Accra for further investigation.
The case has attracted public attention as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks, which continue to threaten Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
Officials have expressed growing concern over the increasing use of firearms in illegal mining operations, describing it as a dangerous escalation in the ongoing fight against galamsey.
The accused remain in police custody as the court prepares to decide on their bail application at the next hearing.
