Li Yongjin and Nou Chin Haw
Two Chinese nationals have been arrested by a taskforce of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for engaging in illegal mining activities at Pankese in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
The suspects, identified as Li Yongjin and Nou Chin Haw, were arrested on Saturday, December 3, 2026, at about 9:45 a.m., during an operation by the NAIMOS Taskforce deployed in the region.
According to the taskforce, the illegal mining activities carried out by the two foreign nationals had resulted in extensive destruction of forest reserves and cocoa farmlands in the area. The operations also caused severe pollution of local water bodies, including the Birim River, which serves as an important source of water for surrounding communities.
During the operation, the taskforce immobilised two excavators found at the site by removing their monitors and control boards, rendering the machines inoperable. This action was taken due to the immediate unavailability of lowbed trucks to transport the excavators.
The taskforce further destroyed several illegal mining equipment and installations at the site and set ablaze makeshift structures that had been erected to support the galamsey activities.
In addition, a Toyota Tundra pickup truck, with registration number AS 8120–20, found at the site and used by the suspects, was seized by the taskforce.
