The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has ordered for the removal of all excavators and mining equipment operating along the banks of the Birim River.
This directive, which includes a one-month ultimatum for miners to comply, was issued in a press statement released by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
The decision follows concerning reports from the Ghana Water Company Limited about the rising turbidity levels of raw water extracted from the Birim River for the Kyebi water treatment plant.
“The company’s managers have warned that if the situation is not addressed promptly, the plant could become inoperable, jeopardizing the water supply for Kyebi township and its surrounding communities,” the press statement said in some parts.
In recent months, residents of Kyebi and surrounding areas have expressed growing concerns over the quality of their water supply. They have also reported erratic water delivery. This has raised alarm among locals, who are now facing increasing difficulties in accessing clean water.
The press release, signed by the State Secretary, D.M. Ofori-Atta, outlined that a special task force would be established to confiscate all mining equipment from the Birim River after the expiration of the February 28, 2025, deadline.
“The Council wishes to inform the general public that a Task Force has been constituted to rid the Birem River from illegal miners operating along the Birem River. All owners of excavator machines are hereby ordered to remove them on or before February 28, 2025.
The Council’s press release further clarified that no miner is allowed to operate near rivers, and certainly not within them. Consequently, owners of excavators and other mining equipment are being urged to remove their machinery from the Birim River by the set deadline.
“Please take note and notice is hereby given that the Council has ordered it’s Task force to remove and confiscate excavators and other morning equipment without further recourse to their owners,” the statement further added.
The Birim River serves as the main water source for critical water treatment plants in the Eastern Region; Kyebi Water Plant, Anyinam Water Plant, Bunsu Water Plant, and the Osino Water Plant.
Together, these plants have the capacity to produce a total of 164,000 gallons of water daily, crucial for meeting the increasing demand of the region’s growing population.
However, the Anyinam Water Plant, which once produced 30,000 gallons of water daily, was shut down several years ago due to the declining quality of the water source.
Similarly, the Osino Water Plant, which also produced 30,000 gallons daily, has been temporarily closed.
The Bunsu and Kyebi Water Plants, which produce 60,000 and 44,000 gallons per day respectively, are currently operating under capacity, resulting in erratic water supply to residents.
The Water Resources Commission Act 1996 of Act 522 Section 24 clearly state what must be done to those who flout the law.
“Pollution of water
A person who, except in accordance with the provisions of this Act or with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency
(a) interferes with or alters the flow of, or
(b) pollutes or fouls, a water resource beyond the level that the Environmental Protection Agency may prescribe, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or to both the fine and
the imprisonment.”
The erstwhile Akufo-Addo led government, few months to the 2024 December elections deployed the military who launched a renewed operation in water bodies to combat illegal mining.
Chanfans, Industrial water pumping machines and excavators were destroyed in the Eastern region. These equipment are used to dredge riverbeds and release toxic chemicals like mercury which pollute the water and harm aquatic life.
By Yvonne Neequaye
