Birim River chokes on galamsey's toxic grip

The alarming report of illegal miners blocking the flow of the Birim River at Adankrano in the Eastern Region is yet another distressing reminder of the devastating impact of galamsey on our nation’s environment, water bodies and communities.

The situation poses not only an immediate threat to lives and livelihoods but also a long-term ecological disaster if urgent action is not taken.

The Birim River, a major water source for communities in the Eastern Region, has been severely polluted and its course diverted by illegal miners.

The reckless activities of these miners have left behind deep pits and gullies dangerously close to homes, putting residents at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.

The chief of Adankrano, Nana Osabarima Sarpong Kumankuma II, has consequently raised the alarm, warning that the community faces imminent disaster if nothing is done.  

The destruction extends beyond environmental degradation. Cocoa farms and oil palm plantations — the economic backbone of Adankrano — have been ravaged, depriving farmers of their livelihoods.

The river, once a vital source of water for domestic and agricultural use, is now a contaminated shadow of its former self.

This is not just an environmental crisis; it is a humanitarian and economic emergency.  

What makes this situation even more infuriating is the apparent lack of enforcement and accountability.

Despite the Ghana Consolidated Diamonds Limited (GCD) being directed to dredge the blocked section of the river within five days, past experiences show that such directives often go unheeded or are poorly executed.

The claim by GCD officials that the buffer zones had been reclaimed was proved false during the Municipal Security Committee’s (MUSEC) visit, revealing a disturbing pattern of negligence.  

Worse still is the suspicious release of excavators seized from illegal mining sites.

The fact that political figures allegedly intervened to secure the release of these machines, without proper accountability, points to possible collusion between some officials and illegal miners.

If those entrusted to protect the environment are complicit in its destruction, then the fight against galamsey was already lost before it began.  

The Kwaebibirem Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, has taken a commendable step by ordering GCD to act, but more must be done.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has pledged to address the issue upon receiving MUSEC’s report.

However, pledges alone are not enough. Concrete actions must follow.  

The Daily Graphic wants the immediate arrest and prosecution of illegal miners polluting the river.

The individuals behind the destruction of the Birim River, including the alleged mastermind, one Birikorang, must be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.  

The Daily Graphic demands strict monitoring of mining concessions.

GCD and other licensed mining companies must be held accountable for any illegal activities within their concessions.

The practice of tributers (subcontractors) operating with impunity must be checked.  

We also call for the demolition of illegal mining equipment.

Excavators and other machinery seized from galamsey sites should not be returned to their owners; they must be destroyed, as was done in some past operations.  

The Daily Graphic urges community vigilance and involvement.

Local chiefs and residents must be empowered to report and resist illegal mining activities. 

As the public demands, we also insist on long-term river restoration.

The government must invest in the dredging and rehabilitation of the Birim River to restore its ecological balance and ensure safe water for communities.  

The galamsey crisis is a litmus test for the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

If illegal miners can brazenly divert rivers, destroy farms and operate with such impunity, then the state’s authority is being undermined.

The Eastern Regional Minister must demonstrate that she is indeed “not a lazy minister” by ensuring swift and decisive action.  

Ghana cannot afford to lose more rivers, forests and farmlands to the greed of a few.

The time for empty promises is over. It is time for action!