Residents of Akyem Kyebi and its surrounding communities in the Eastern Region are facing a severe water crisis, with the Birim River and others, a vital source of potable water, reportedly blocked by illegal mining activities.

The situation has crippled the operations of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), leaving citizens without access to clean drinking water.

In a recent interview with Eric Obeng Boateng, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akyem Abuakwa South, Addo Aikins, issued a resolute declaration against illegal mining, pledging to take decisive action against perpetrators, regardless of their political affiliation.

"I don't care if you are NDC or NPP in Akyem Abuakwa South Municipal, don't do illegal mining; otherwise, I will come for you," the MCE stated emphatically. "It has been some months now where the people of Akyem Kyebi and its surroundings have not had potable water to drink because someone has blocked the Birim River for galamsay. Ghana Water Company is not getting water to treat and give to us."

The impact of these illegal operations is far-reaching. The municipality boasts two water treatment plants, one located at Asiakwa and another at Kyebi. However, the Asiakwa plant has been non-operational for the past two years due to insufficient water levels, a direct consequence of illegal mining activities. Now, the crisis has extended to Kyebi.

"We have two water plants in Akyem Abuakwa Municipal, where one is at Asiakwa and the other is at Kyebi, but the Asiakwa water plant has been shut down for two years now due to storage of water, all because of galamsay," Addo Aikins explained. "And now it has come to Kyebi, which I won't sit down and let this happen."

While the situation at the Kyebi plant is described as slowly improving, with water reportedly flowing in small quantities, the MCE stressed that GWCL is still struggling to reach the necessary levels for effective treatment and distribution.

The MCE's strong stance comes amidst reports of arrests related to illegal mining within the municipality. Addo Aikins confirmed these arrests, underscoring his administration's commitment to eradicating the destructive practice that is jeopardising the health and well-being of the community.

The residents of Akyem Abuakwa South are now looking to the MCE and relevant authorities for swift and effective interventions to restore their access to clean and reliable water. The battle against illegal mining in the region appears to have reached a critical juncture, with the MCE signalling a no-tolerance approach to protect vital resources.