A National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) task force has carried out a decisive midnight operation at Asuom in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of seven individuals involved in illegal mining activities.

The raid, which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, targeted an active galamsey site hidden within a palm plantation along a stream known as Nukuru. The stream flows directly into the Birim River, a major water source heavily threatened by illegal mining pollution.

During the swoop, the task force arrested six Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian, who were allegedly engaged in active mining along the banks of the stream.

Officials say the operation uncovered a well-organised illegal mining setup, complete with excavators, vehicles and other heavy-duty equipment.

All machinery found at the site was seized, and several makeshift structures erected to support the illegal mining activity were demolished.