A joint taskforce from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has carried out a successful raid on an illegal mining site at Bisasi, in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of a notorious galamsey kingpin accused of blocking and polluting the Ayensu River.

The operation, which took place on November 9, was reported by environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor of the Multimedia Group in a Facebook post that has since drawn widespread public attention.

According to Mr Donkor, the suspect, described as a “kingpin/thug,” appeared at the site armed with a pistol and attempted to bribe members of the NAIMOS taskforce with a cash offer of GH¢100,000 in a bid to evade arrest.

The officers, however, rejected the bribe and proceeded with the operation, leading to the seizure of the cash, confiscation of mining equipment, and the closure of the site.

The illegal mining operation had reportedly caused severe pollution of the Ayensu River, threatening water quality and local ecosystems.

Authorities have since detained the suspect for further questioning, while environmental officers are assessing the extent of the damage to the river and surrounding lands.