The National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has arrested two foreign nationals for allegedly engaging in extensive illegal mining, or ‘galamsey’, in the Prankese area of Birim North.
The operation took place on the morning of Saturday, December 3, 2026.
The suspects have been identified as Li Yongjin and Nou Chin Haw. They were reportedly caught in the act by the deployed NAIMOS team at approximately 9:45 a.m.
According to an official statement from the task force, the illicit mining operations led by the duo have resulted in severe environmental degradation.
Their activities are cited as the cause of significant destruction to forest areas and cocoa farmlands, alongside the severe pollution of local water bodies, including the critical Birim River.
During the operation, the task force disabled two excavators used in the illegal activity by removing their monitors and control boards.
This measure was taken to immediately immobilise the heavy machinery due to logistical constraints in arranging for their physical removal from the site.
Furthermore, law enforcement officials confiscated a vehicle believed to be used by the miners: a Toyota Tundra pickup with registration number AS 8120-20, which was found at the mining site.
The arrests underscore the ongoing efforts by the NAIMOS Task Force to combat the environmental and economic menace of illegal mining across the Eastern Region.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face legal proceedings.
