The Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Solomon Kusi Brako, has led a fresh operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities along the Birim River in Akyem Oda and its surrounding communities in the Eastern Region.
During the exercise, authorities seized six excavators, a control board, a pump-action gun, and other mining equipment allegedly used in the illegal operations.
The crackdown was triggered by intelligence reports pointing to renewed galamsey activities in the area, which threaten water bodies and farmlands.
‘A Precarious Situation’
Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Brako described the environmental destruction as alarming and warned of dire consequences if immediate action was not taken.
“The illegal activities have blocked the river’s flow and caused significant pollution, affecting the Ghana Water Company Limited’s treatment plant that supplies water to Akyem Oda, Akwatia, and Winneba,” he said.
He added that the continued degradation of the Birim River poses severe health and livelihood risks to surrounding communities.
Call for Swift Action
The MCE urged government agencies, security services, and residents to work together to halt the menace and restore the river to its natural state.
“This situation is a major disaster in the making. Swift action is the only way to save our environment and protect the lives of our people,” Mr. Brako cautioned.
Broader Anti-Galamsey Efforts
The operation forms part of the government’s renewed commitment to combat illegal mining, which continues to devastate Ghana’s ecosystems, destroy farmlands, and pollute water sources across the country.
Authorities say follow-up operations will be intensified to ensure the seized equipment does not return to illegal use.
Source – My News Ghana
