The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has issued a one-month ultimatum to owners of excavators and mining equipment operating along the banks of the Birim River to remove their machinery from the area or face confiscation.

This directive comes after a report from the Ghana Water Company Limited revealed a high level of turbidity in raw water drawn from the Birim River to the Kyebi water treatment plant. According to the company, the situation poses a risk of operational failure, potentially rendering the plant unable to process water for mass consumption in the Kyebi township and its environs.

Residents of Kyebi have also raised concerns over the deteriorating water quality over the past two months. Complaints have included chemically tainted water, visible dirt in tap water, and erratic supply. Investigations revealed that illegal mining activities along the Birim River have caused significant damage to the river and its surrounding environment.

In a press statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa State, the Okyenhene, in consultation with the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, has ordered the immediate removal of all mining equipment from the Birim River.

The statement, signed by State Secretary Mr. D.M. Ofori-Atta, announced that a taskforce would be commissioned to enforce the directive and confiscate mining equipment starting February 28, 2025. The Okyenhene emphasized that mining activities near river bodies are prohibited and declared that traditional authorities will act to safeguard the environment and water resources if state security agencies fail to do so.

This decisive move underscores the Okyenhene’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring access to clean water for the people of Kyebi and its surrounding communities.

"The Council wishes to inform the general public that a Task Force has been constituted to rid the Birim River from illegal miners operating along the Birim River. All owners of excavator machines are hereby ordered to remove them on or before the 28th Day of February, 2025," the Statement noted

The statement continues that "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."