MCE Sounds Alarm On Devastating Impacts Of Illegal Mining On Birim River

The Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), in the Eastern Region, Solomon Kusi Brako, has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of illegal mining within the Birim River.

Illegal miners have blocked the river’s flow, causing heavy pollution and putting surrounding communities at risk of a major disaster.

Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive Solomon Kusi Brako has expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on communities within the municipality and the environment.

During a tour of some galamsey sites, he witnessed the destruction caused by these activities, including the blocking of the Birim River’s flow, resulting in heavy pollution.

The MCE noted that the situation is precarious and could lead to a major disaster if not addressed urgently.

He called for immediate action to halt the illegal mining activities and restore the river to its natural state.

Some site owners claimed to be tributes of Great Consolidated Diamonds Limited (GCDL) but lacked permits from the Municipal Assembly.

The impact of galamsey on the Birim River’s ecosystem and residents’ health has been severe.

Mr. Brako said after President Mahama’s declaration of war on galamsey, he convened a meeting with the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) to set up a taskforce to combat the perpetrators.

However, he was disappointed that information from the meeting leaked to the galamsey operators, eroding his trust in MUSEC. Despite this, Mr. Brako promised to eliminate all galamsey activities to restore the river.