Birim Central MCE Leads Anti-Galamsey Raid: Six Excavators Seized Along Polluted Birim River
Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Solomon Kusi Brako has spearheaded a crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) along the Birim River in Akyem Oda and surrounding areas of the Eastern Region, seizing six excavators, a control board, a pump-action gun, and other equipment used in the illicit operations.
The operation, prompted by intelligence on renewed galamsey activities threatening water bodies and farmlands, was described by Brako as “precarious,” warning of potential disaster if unchecked.
Speaking to Adom News, he highlighted the blockage of the river’s flow and severe pollution impacting the Ghana Water Company Limited’s treatment plant, which supplies Akyem Oda, Akwatia, and Winneba. “The ongoing environmental degradation poses serious risks to surrounding communities,” Brako urged, calling for immediate restoration efforts.
This raid aligns with the government’s intensified anti-galamsey push, including declaring water bodies and forests as security zones and deploying permanent forces, as announced by Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.549d48 Recent EPA and Africa Pure Earth reports revealed mercury contamination up to 500 times safe levels in Birim River water and heavy metals in local crops like taro leaves and tomatoes across six regions, including Eastern.
Similar actions in Abuakwa South seized excavators near the river, while military operations in Kyebi and Anyinam destroyed chanfans and equipment.
Despite these efforts, stakeholders like the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey criticize delays, demanding a state of emergency to repeal LI 2462 and enforce sustainable practices. Brako’s initiative reflects local leadership in the national fight against galamsey’s environmental toll.
