By Ashiadey Dotse
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested five Chinese nationals in a fresh operation against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, along the Birim River.
The Ministry indicated that the arrests were made on Monday, December 29, 2025, during a series of raids at Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality. The operation began around 1:40 p.m. after intelligence reports revealed ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.
According to the Ministry, the suspects were caught in the act of mining and washing directly into the Birim River, a major water source, causing serious environmental damage.
The ministry also revealed that two excavators found at the site were immobilised by the taskforce. The officers also seized a Toyota Hilux pickup and a Toyota Land Cruiser believed to have been used by the suspects in their operations.
Several makeshift structures built at the mining sites were pulled down. Water pumping machines and other mining equipment were also destroyed during the exercise.
The Ministry says the operation forms part of its intensified crackdown on illegal mining along major water bodies, especially during the festive season, to prevent further pollution and protect the environment.
