The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has begun a major operation in the Kyebi area of the Eastern Region to clear illegal mining activities along the Birim River and its immediate catchment.

The operation, which forms part of the Secretariat’s broader campaign against illegal mining, is aimed at protecting the river, preventing miners from operating within its corridor and creating conditions for its gradual restoration.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, NAIMOS said the exercise is also intended to help restore water production by the Ghana Water Company Limited, whose operations have been affected by severe pollution and degradation of the river.

“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,” the statement said.

According to NAIMOS, its taskforce has already 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 Secretariat said.

It explained that the operation is particularly focused on removing illegal miners and dismantling mining activities operating within and close to the river.

NAIMOS said those activities have contributed significantly to the degradation and pollution of the Birim River and its surrounding environment.

The Secretariat also indicated that surveillance would be maintained at cleared locations to discourage illegal miners from returning.

“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,” it said.

NAIMOS stressed that the protection of Ghana’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 statement said.

The Secretariat appealed to communities along the Birim River to support the exercise and urged individuals engaged in illegal mining within the river corridor to stop their activities.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies, regulatory institutions, the Ghana Water Company Limited, traditional authorities and local communities to protect the river and restore it as a dependable source of water.