- Three Chinese nationals have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Birim River at Akyem Abaam near Kade.
- The operation, led by the Kade Police and Kwaebibirem MCE Emmanuel Kofi Nti, resulted in the seizure of two excavators.
- While the foreign suspects were apprehended, their Ghanaian accomplices escaped.
- The arrested individuals have been handed over to National Security for further investigation.
A joint security operation in the Eastern Region has led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals accused of polluting the Birim River through illegal mining. The suspects were caught at Akyem Abaam near Kade, where they were allegedly operating heavy machinery directly in the river.
The raid was triggered by a tip-off received during a church service attended by Kwaebibirem Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Kofi Nti. Upon learning of the activity, he left the service and joined the Kade Police to launch a swift operation.
When the team arrived at the site, they found the miners actively engaged in galamsey. Most of the Ghanaian accomplices fled into the bush, but three Chinese nationals were arrested on the spot. Two excavators used in the operation were impounded and transported to the premises of the Municipal Assembly to serve as evidence.
The suspects have since been handed over to National Security officials in the Eastern Region for further investigation and possible prosecution. The MCE has issued a strong warning to illegal miners operating within the municipality, stating that future offenders will face severe consequences.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation caused by galamsey operations, especially in water bodies critical to local communities.
