The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched a major operation to clear illegal mining activities along the Birim River and its immediate catchment areas in Kyebi in the Eastern Region.
The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, forms part of NAIMOS’ ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s critical water bodies, prevent illegal miners from accessing river corridors and support the restoration of rivers affected by illegal mining.
A major objective of the operation is to improve the condition of the Birim River to enable the Ghana Water Company Limited to restore its water extraction and treatment operations. The company’s operations have been significantly affected by severe pollution and degradation of the river caused by illegal mining activities.
Since the operation began, the NAIMOS Taskforce has moved into several identified illegal mining areas along sections of the Birim River and cleared a number of sites. Mining activities at the affected locations have been disrupted as personnel continue to advance into other areas identified for enforcement.
NAIMOS says the operation is particularly targeting illegal miners and mining activities operating within and close to the river, which have contributed to the pollution and degradation of the Birim and its surrounding environment.
The Secretariat says it will maintain surveillance at cleared locations to prevent illegal miners from returning and to create conditions for the gradual recovery of the river. The ultimate goal, it says, is to support the restoration of reliable water production for communities that depend on the affected waterworks.
NAIMOS has called on communities along the Birim River to support the operation and urged individuals engaged in illegal mining within the river corridor to stop their activities.
The Secretariat says it will continue 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.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
