NAIMOS arrests 7 illegal miners in major Kwaebibirem raid

A National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) task force swooped on an illegal mining site at Asuom in the Kwaebibirem District early Saturday, Dec 6, arresting seven individuals – six Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian – who were allegedly engaged in galamsey along the Nukuru stream.

The midnight raid, carried out at about 1:20 a.m., targeted a palm‑plantation enclave that channels water directly into the Birim River, a vital source of drinking water for communities downstream. Officials said the operation uncovered a well‑organised set‑up complete with excavators, dump trucks and other heavy‑duty equipment.

“We intercepted a highly coordinated illegal mining operation that was threatening the Birim River ecosystem,” said Mr. Kwabena Gyan, spokesperson for NAIMOS, in a statement released later that morning. “All machinery has been seized and makeshift structures demolished to prevent further environmental damage.”

The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Samuel Arthur, praised the task force’s swift action, adding, “Our collective responsibility is to protect our water bodies. This successful raid sends a clear message to galamsey operators that the government will not tolerate activities that endanger Ghana’s natural resources.”

According to the task force, the seized equipment includes two excavators, three dump trucks and several smaller tools used for ore extraction. Authorities are conducting forensic analysis of the seized materials and will forward the detained individuals to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.

Environmental groups have long warned that unchecked galamsey along tributaries like Nukuru accelerates sedimentation and heavy‑metal contamination in the Birim River. The NAIMOS operation is expected to form part of a broader crackdown scheduled for the coming months.

Investigators will continue monitoring the site, and officials indicated that more arrests are likely as the anti‑galamsey drive intensifies across the Eastern Region.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE