source: myjoyonline
A taskforce from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested two Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities at Pankese in the Birim North District.
The suspects, identified as Li Yongjin and Nou Chin Haw, were arrested on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at about 9:45 a.m. during an operation carried out by the taskforce in the Eastern Region.
According to officials, the two were caught actively involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Their activities have caused extensive damage to the environment, including the destruction of forest reserves and cocoa farms in the area. Local water bodies have also been heavily polluted, particularly the Birim River, which serves as an important source of water for nearby communities.
During the operation, the taskforce disabled two excavators being used at the mining site. Officers removed key components such as monitors and control boards to prevent the machines from operating, as lowbed trucks required to haul the equipment away were not immediately available.
In addition to immobilising the excavators, the taskforce destroyed various illegal mining equipment and installations found at the site. Makeshift structures put up to support the mining activities were also pulled down and set ablaze to prevent further use.
The team further seized a Toyota Tundra pickup truck with registration number AS 8120-20, which was found at the scene and believed to have been used by the suspects in carrying out their illegal operations.
NAIMOS has reiterated the government’s commitment to clamping down on illegal mining, especially activities involving foreign nationals, due to the serious threat galamsey poses to Ghana’s forests, farmlands, and water resources. Authorities say investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be processed in accordance with the law.
