Five Chinese nationals, including one woman, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in the Eastern Region.
The suspects were picked up in a special intelligence-led operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Eastern Regional National Security Office, at Birim Central Municipality.
The operation, carried out late last night, followed credible intelligence that the suspects were actively engaged in illegal mining along the Birim River.
During the operation, security personnel destroyed mining equipment found operating on the river to prevent further environmental damage.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Francis Annoh-Dompreh, reiterated the commitment of security agencies to intensify operations across known mining hotspots in the region to sustain gains made in the fight against illegal mining.
He warned both foreign nationals and locals involved in galamsey to desist from the illegal practice or face the full rigours of the law, stressing that the protection of water bodies, farmlands, and the environment remains a top priority.
By Paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
