The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has commenced a major 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’ sustained national effort to protect critical water bodies, deny illegal miners access to river corridors and support the restoration of rivers adversely affected by illegal mining.

A key objective of the operation is to improve the condition of the Birim River sufficiently to support the restoration of Ghana Water Company Limited’s operations, whose ability to extract and treat water has been undermined by severe pollution and river degradation.

Since the commencement of the operation, the NAIMOS Taskforce has moved into identified illegal mining areas along sections of the Birim River and cleared several initial sites.

Mining activities at the affected locations have been disrupted as personnel continue to advance into other identified areas.

The operation is particularly focused on removing illegal miners and dismantling mining activities operating within and close to the river, which have contributed to the degradation and pollution of the Birim and its surrounding environment.

The Secretariat will also maintain surveillance of cleared locations to discourage the return of illegal miners and create the conditions necessary for the gradual recovery of the river and the eventual restoration of reliable water production for communities that depend on the affected waterworks.

NAIMOS reiterates that protecting the country’s water bodies remains a major priority in the fight against illegal mining.

The operation in Kyebi will therefore be sustained as part of broader efforts to restore the Birim River, protect its catchment from further degradation and support the resumption of water treatment and supply operations.

The Secretariat calls on communities along the Birim River to support the operation and urges individuals engaged in illegal mining within the river corridor to cease their activities.

It expressed commitment to working with relevant security agencies, regulatory institutions, the Ghana Water Company Limited, traditional authorities and local communities to protect the Birim River and restore its importance as a dependable source of water for surrounding communities.