Three Chinese nationals have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining along the Birim River at Akyem Abaam, a community near Akyem Kade in the Eastern Region.
The arrests were carried out by the Kwaebibirim Municipal Security Council during a targeted operation against galamsey activities.
The operation, led by the Kwaebibirem Municipal Chief Executive Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Municipal Police Commander ASP Barlekor Bernard, resulted in the impounding of two excavators allegedly used in the mining activity.
The anti-galamsey task force arrived at the site and apprehended the foreign nationals while some Ghanaian accomplices reportedly fled the scene.
Mr. Nti said the arrests are part of a wider effort to curb the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in the area.
He expressed concern about the ongoing damage to water bodies and forest reserves and warned that stricter enforcement would continue in the coming weeks.
“We are not going to look on while our rivers are destroyed. We will continue this operation until every illegal miner is brought to justice,” Mr. Nti said.
Residents have raised alarms in recent months over increased galamsey operations near the Birim River, which many depend on for drinking water and farming.
Authorities are now stepping up surveillance and collaborating with community members to identify and report any further illegal activity.
The Kwaebibirim Municipal Assembly is urging anyone with information on illegal miners to come forward and assist law enforcement, while investigations are ongoing to locate those who escaped during the raid.