Three people have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities at Asomdwe along the Birim River in Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to threaten the country’s water bodies and the environment.
Speaking to the media, Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, commended the security agencies for the arrests but stressed the need for sustained enforcement to prevent illegal miners from returning to the area.
He called on the government and security agencies to intensify the fight against illegal mining by strengthening enforcement measures and imposing stiffer sanctions on offenders.
The MP, however, raised concerns over the handling of a previous anti-galamsey operation, making allegations against the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
According to Mr Acquah, on November 16, 2025, the MCE led a joint security operation at an illegal mining site near the Birim River Water Treatment Plant, resulting in the arrest of three suspects identified as Mawuli, Yeboah and Adamu, with mining equipment also seized.
He alleged that the confiscated equipment was not handed over to the police as evidence but was instead taken to an undisclosed location, which he claimed compromised investigations.
Mr Acquah further alleged that the three suspects were later released without prosecution and claimed the MCE demanded money from them before facilitating the release of the seized equipment.
The MP said such actions, if proven true, could undermine efforts to combat illegal mining and called for stronger accountability to ensure the fight against galamsey is not compromised.
The Municipal Chief Executive has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
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