The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South has initiated a tour of galamsey sites in his constituency to draw attention to the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities along the Birim River. During a recent working visit, the MP, accompanied by the District Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited in Kibi, assessed the extent of the pollution. The Birim River, once a life-sustaining water body, has been heavily polluted, posing a significant threat to communities reliant on it for clean water.
The MP's visit revealed alarming statistics, including turbidity levels of approximately 50,000 NTU in the Birim River. The local water treatment plant has been shut down since August 2025 due to the pollution, exacerbating concerns about water security in the area. The MP described the river's state as "troubling," emphasizing that its destruction threatens access to clean water and imposes a heavy burden on the people who depend on it.
In a Facebook post, the MP expressed his concerns about the river's condition, stating that standing beside the muddy waters was a stark reminder of the environmental degradation caused by galamsey activities. He described the situation as a growing threat to communities that have relied on the river for generations. The MP's post highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to halt illegal mining and protect the Birim River.
The legislator announced that his live media tour of galamsey sites across the constituency aims to expose those responsible for the environmental destruction, bring the issue to public attention, and demand accountability. The tour is expected to intensify pressure on authorities to take decisive action against galamsey along the Birim River. The MP emphasized that urgent and coordinated action is necessary to stop illegal mining, protect the river, and restore water treatment operations.
The shutdown of the Kibi water treatment plant since August 2025 has heightened concerns about water security in the area. The MP's planned tour is expected to draw attention to the severity of the situation and the need for immediate intervention. The Birim River is a vital source of clean water for communities in the constituency, and its destruction has significant implications for public health and the environment.
The MP's efforts to address the issue of galamsey along the Birim River have been welcomed by residents, who are eager for a solution to the water crisis. The legislator's call for urgent action to protect the river and restore water treatment operations has resonated with the community. The success of the MP's tour in bringing attention to the issue remains to be seen, but it is clear that the situation requires immediate attention from authorities.
The Abuakwa South MP's initiative to expose the environmental damage caused by galamsey activities along the Birim River is part of a broader effort to address the issue of illegal mining in Ghana. The impact of galamsey on the environment and public health is a pressing concern, and the MP's tour is expected to contribute to the national conversation on the issue. The outcome of the tour and the subsequent actions taken by authorities will be closely watched by residents and environmental stakeholders.
Key points
- The shutdown of the Kibi water treatment plant since August 2025 has heightened concerns about water security in the area.
