5 Chinese Arrested for Illegal Mining along Birim River

Five Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for allegedly undertaking galamsey along the Birim River.

Their arrest follows a series of raids on illegal mining sites at Akyem Oda in the Birim central municipality on December 29, 2025, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reported.
According to the statement by the Ministry, the Chinese were actively mining and washing into the Birim River when they were busted.

The team also immobilised two excavators found at the site, while one Toyota Hilux pickup and another Toyota Land Cruiser used by the suspects were seized by the taskforce.

“Several makeshift structures erected at the sites were destroyed, along with some water pumping machines and other mining equipment.”

“NAIMOS continues its crackdown along major water bodies during the festive season to prevent further pollution,” it added.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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