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

According to NAIMOS in a statement on August 11, 2026, the operation forms part of its sustained national effort to protect water bodies, deny illegal miners access to river corridors and support the restoration of rivers adversely affected by illegal mining.

“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.

It added that mining activities at the affected locations had been disrupted as personnel continued to advance into other identified areas.

“Since the commencement of the operation, the NAIMOS Taskforce has moved into identified illegal mining areas along sections of the Birim River and cleared several initial sites.

NAIMOS arrests 19 suspects over galamsey activities near police station

“Mining activities at the affected locations have been disrupted as personnel continue to advance into other identified areas," part of the statement said.

The statement further detailed that the operation is particularly focused on removing illegal miners and dismantling mining activities operating within and close to the river, which have contributed to the degradation and pollution of the Birim and its surrounding environment.

The Secretariat added that they “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.

“NAIMOS reiterates that protecting the country’s water bodies remains a major priority in the fight against illegal mining.”

The Secretariat has then called on communities along the Birim River to support the operation and urges individuals engaged in illegal mining within the river corridor to cease their activities.

“NAIMOS remains committed to 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,” the statement added.

See the statement below



MRA/AM

'Legal vacation doesn't mean judges cannot sit' – CJ Baffoe-Bonnie explains