The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat has arrested five Chinese nationals for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities along the Birim River in the Eastern Region.
The arrests were carried out on Friday, January 16, during a joint operation involving NAIMOS and the Birim Central Municipal Security Council. Officials said the operation targeted ongoing galamsey activities that were causing environmental damage within the municipality.
According to NAIMOS officials, the suspects, including one woman, were actively mining along the Birim River when the security team intervened. The mining activities were said to be polluting the river, which serves as a critical water source for several communities downstream.
During the operation, security personnel destroyed multiple pieces of mining equipment found at the site. These included a changfan machine allegedly being used by the suspects to extract minerals from the riverbed. Officials said the destruction of the equipment was carried out as a deterrent to discourage future illegal mining activities in the area.
NAIMOS described the arrests as part of sustained efforts to enforce mining regulations, protect water bodies, and address environmental degradation linked to unauthorized mining. The Secretariat said illegal mining continues to pose serious risks to ecosystems, public health, and livelihoods, particularly in communities dependent on rivers for domestic and economic activities.
The suspects have been taken into custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution. Their identities have not been officially disclosed, and no charges had been announced at the time of reporting.
Authorities stressed that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. NAIMOS and local security officials have reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining across affected regions.
The Secretariat also appealed to the public to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspected illegal mining activities, noting that community support remains critical to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.