NAIMOS launches major operation to clear illegal mining along Birim River in Kyebi

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched a major crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Kyebi area of the Eastern Region to clear illegal operations along the Birim River and its surrounding catchment zones.

The exercise forms part of NAIMOS’ sustained nationwide effort to protect critical water bodies, deny illegal miners access to river corridors, and facilitate the environmental restoration of rivers damaged by illegal mining.

A primary objective of the operation is to improve the condition of the Birim River sufficiently to support the resumption of operations by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), whose ability to extract and treat water has been severely disrupted by heavy pollution and riverbed degradation.

Since the start of the exercise, the NAIMOS Taskforce has moved into identified illegal mining enclaves along sections of the Birim River, clearing several initial sites and disrupting active mining operations. Personnel are continuing to advance into other designated areas along the river corridor.

The operation focuses on evicting illegal miners and dismantling installations operating within and adjacent to the river ecosystem. To prevent operators from returning to cleared locations, the Secretariat stated that it will maintain active surveillance over affected areas to foster the gradual recovery of the river and support the restoration of reliable water supply services to local communities.

Reiterating that protecting water resources remains a national priority, NAIMOS stressed that the operation in Kyebi will be sustained as part of broader efforts to safeguard the Birim River basin from further environmental damage.

The Secretariat called on communities living along the Birim River to support the taskforce and urged individuals engaged in illegal mining within the river corridor to cease their activities immediately.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside security agencies, regulatory institutions, the Ghana Water Company Limited, traditional authorities, and local residents to protect the Birim River and restore its role as a dependable water source.