The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Birim Central Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region, Solomon Kusi Brako, has launched a major operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities (galamsey) along the Birim River at Akyem Oda and surrounding communities.

During the operation, authorities seized six excavator control boards, a pump-action gun, and other equipment used by the miners.

The crackdown was triggered by intelligence reports pointing to a resurgence of galamsey activities that threaten water bodies, farmlands, and livelihoods in the area.

Speaking to Accra FM/CTV news reporter Apelete Kofi-Michel, Mr. Brako warned that the situation was dire and could escalate into an environmental disaster if left unchecked.

He stressed the urgent need to halt the illegal activities and restore the Birim River to its natural state.

The MCE further raised concerns about the devastating impact of galamsey on the Birim River.

He explained that the activities have obstructed the river’s flow and severely polluted the water, undermining the operations of the Ghana Water Company Limited’s treatment plant, which supplies water to Akyem Oda, Akwatia, and Winneba.

Mr. Brako emphasised that the pollution posed a serious risk to surrounding communities and reiterated the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining in order to safeguard the environment and protect water resources.