The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has ordered all owners of mining equipment operating along the Birim River to remove their machinery by February 28, 2025, or face confiscation. The move comes after concerns over the rising turbidity in the river's water, which serves as a primary source for the Kyebi water treatment plant.

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In a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa State, it was announced that a task force will be formed to remove the equipment. “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 reads.

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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.”Managers of the Ghana Water Company Limited recently reported that high turbidity levels in the water drawn from the Birim River have compromised the plant’s ability to process water for the Kyebi area.

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Without action, the plant could become inoperable, severely affecting water supply to the township and surrounding communities.The complaints from residents, who have noticed chemically contaminated and dirty water flowing from their taps, prompted investigations that revealed the return of illegal miners to the river. Their activities have caused significant damage to the water source and the surrounding environment.

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The Okyenhene, in consultation with the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, has issued the order as part of efforts to protect the community’s water bodies. The Council also emphasized the importance of local leadership in safeguarding the environment, particularly if state security agencies are unable to intervene effectively.

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A task force will begin confiscating mining equipment starting February 28, 2025, in a bid to curb illegal mining activities along the river. The statement further warns that there will be no recourse for those who fail to comply with the order.

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