NAIMOS Raids Illegal Mining Sites Along Birim River; Five Chinese Nationals Arrested
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested five Chinese nationals following coordinated raids on illegal mining sites along the Birim River in Akyem Oda, within the Birim Central Municipality.
The operation, carried out on Monday, December 29, 2025, at about 1:40 p.m., targeted active illegal mining activities that were polluting the Birim River. The suspects were apprehended while mining and washing ore directly into the river.
During the exercise, the taskforce immobilized two excavators found at the site and seized a Toyota Hilux pickup and a Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly being used by the suspects. Several makeshift structures erected at the illegal mining sites were also demolished, along with water pumping machines and other mining equipment.
NAIMOS said the operation forms part of its intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, particularly along major water bodies, during the festive season. The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s water resources and preventing further environmental degradation.
