The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has issued a one-month ultimatum to miners operating along the Birim River to remove all excavators and other mining equipment or risk confiscation.

The directive, announced on January 22, 2025, follows concerns over the deteriorating quality of water drawn from the river, which serves as a resource for communities in the Eastern Region.

According to a news report, the decision comes in response to a report from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) indicating high turbidity levels in the raw water supplied to the Kyebi water treatment plant.

The company warned that if urgent action is not taken, the plant could cease operations, leaving Kyebi township and its surrounding areas without a reliable water supply.

Local residents have also voiced frustration over worsening water conditions, citing chemically tainted tap water, visible dirt, and erratic water delivery over the past two months. Investigations traced these issues to illegal mining activities along the Birim River, which have severely impacted the river’s ecosystem.

In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, the Okyenhene, in collaboration with the council, mandated the removal of all mining machinery by February 28, 2025.

“The Council has constituted a Task Force to rid the Birim River of illegal mining activities. All owners of excavators and mining equipment are hereby directed to remove their machines on or before the 28th of February, 2025,” myjoyonline.com quoted the statement, signed by State Secretary Mr. D.M. Ofori-Atta, to have said.

The directive emphasized that mining activities along river bodies are strictly prohibited. It warned that any machinery left in the area beyond the deadline would be confiscated by the task force without further notice to the owners.

“Illegal mining near water bodies poses an existential threat to our environment and the livelihoods of communities. The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council will not hesitate to enforce this directive to ensure access to clean water for all.

“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.”