Ghana arrests church elder for illegal mining

The Philippines — National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested David Bobie Peter, an elder of The Church of Pentecost, for allegedly operating an illegal mining site at Akyem Morso, Ghana. The operation along the Kume River led to the dismantling of several illegal mining setups, including the destruction of eight Chanfang machines and four gold-washing platforms, and the seizure of twelve water pumping machines. Two Sany excavators were also found and disabled. David Bobie Peter initially claimed to be visiting his farm but later confessed to being a foreman of an illegal mining site and was dispatched by his employer, Mr. Appiah, to verify NAIMOS's presence. He subsequently led officers to his site, revealing extensive environmental damage and pollution of the Kume River. David Bobie Peter has been handed over to the Ghana — Konongo District Police for further investigation and prosecution. NAIMOS has warned that enforcement against illegal mining will continue regardless of social status or affiliation.