Okyenhene Directs Immediate Removal Of Excavators And Mining Equipment Along Birim River

In response to a report from the Ghana Water Company Limited’s managers indicating a high level of turbidity in the raw water drawn from the Birim River to the Kyebi water treatment plant, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has given owners of excavators and mining equipment operating along the banks of the Birim River a month’s notice to move their equipment out of the jurisdiction or have it confiscated.

The managers of the Ghana Water Company Limited say that if nothing is done about the turbidity levels in the Birim River, their plant may malfunction and be unable to process raw water for mass consumption within the Kyebi township and its environs.

Residents of Kyebi have, over the last two months, complained about the presence of chemicals in their tap water.

Some have also complained about the dirty nature of the water flowing from their taps, coupled with the erratic supply of water by the Ghana Water Company Limited to various homes and businesses in recent months.

The consistent complaints by residents led to the discovery that many illegal miners have returned to the Birim River, causing serious devastation to the river and the environment.

Further

In a press statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa State, the Okyenhene, in consultation with the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, has ordered the removal of all mining equipment along the Birim River.

No miner is allowed to mine near any river body, much less within the river itself, according to the statement, which was signed by State Secretary Mr. D.M. Ofori-Atta.

It also states that if state security agencies do not protect their environment and water bodies, Nananoom has an obligation to protect them. The statement also states that a task force will be commissioned in earnest to begin the confiscation of all mining equipment operating along the Birim River.

The Council wishes to inform the general public that a task force has been constituted to rid the Birim River of illegal miners. All owners of excavator machines are hereby ordered to remove them on or before the 28th day of February 2025,” the statement noted.

The statement continues: “Please take note, and notice is hereby given that the Council has ordered its task force to remove and confiscate excavators and other mining equipment without further recourse to their owners.”