E/R: Two Chinese Nabbed for Allegedly Polluting Birim River, Cocoa Farms Destruction

Two Chinese nationals, identified as LI YONGJIN and Nou Chin Haw, have been apprehended by security personnel for allegedly engaging in illicit mining activities at Pankese in Birim North, resulting in significant destruction to forests, cocoa farmlands, and the Birim River.

Following their arrest on December 3, 2025, by a NAIMOS Taskforce deployed in the Eastern Region, two excavators used by the Chinese nationals were demobilized, and several pieces of illegal mining equipment and items were destroyed.

Furthermore, makeshift structures at the site were demolished, and a Toyota TUNDRA Pickup with Registration number AS 8120-20 was seized.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reported that the seized pickup was found at the site and used by the two Chinese nationals.