Five Chinese illegal miners arrested as NAIMOS cracks down along Birim river

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested five Chinese nationals following a targeted operation against illegal mining activities along the Birim River in the Akyem Oda area of the Birim Central Municipality.

The operation, conducted on Monday, December 29, 2025, began at about 1:40 PM and formed part of a series of coordinated raids on illegal mining sites in the area.

The suspects were apprehended while actively mining and washing mineral materials directly into the Birim River, causing significant environmental harm.

During the operation, two excavators discovered at the site were immobilised, while a Toyota Hilux pickup and a Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly used by the suspects were seized by the task force.

NAIMOS personnel also dismantled several makeshift structures erected at the mining sites and destroyed water pumping machines and other mining equipment.

NAIMOS says the exercise is part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities, particularly along major water bodies, during the festive season, to curb pollution and protect Ghana’s water resources.

The suspects are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigations and prosecution.