The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has commenced an operation in the Kyebi area of the Eastern Region to clear illegal mining activities along the Birim River and its immediate catchment areas.
The operation forms part of NAIMOS’ efforts to protect critical water bodies, prevent illegal miners from accessing river corridors and support the restoration of rivers affected by illegal mining.
A key objective is to improve the condition of the Birim River to enable the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to restore water extraction and treatment operations affected by severe pollution and degradation of the river.
Since the operation began, the NAIMOS Taskforce has entered identified illegal mining sites along sections of the Birim River and cleared several locations, with operations continuing in other affected areas.
The Secretariat said the operation is focused on removing illegal miners and dismantling mining activities operating within and around the river, which have contributed to the pollution and degradation of the water body.
NAIMOS said it would maintain surveillance of cleared areas to prevent illegal miners from returning and create conditions for the gradual recovery of the river.
The Secretariat urged communities along the Birim River to support the operation and called on illegal miners operating within the river corridor to stop their activities.
It said the operation would be sustained as part of broader efforts to restore the Birim River, protect its catchment and support the resumption of reliable water production for communities that depend on the affected waterworks.
