Illegal mining pushes Birim River turbidity to 50,000 NTU – Abuakwa South MP

The Birim River in the Akyem Abuakwa region is experiencing a worsening environmental disaster, with turbidity levels soaring to approximately 50,000 NTU due to rampant illegal mining activities, according to Dr Kingsley Agyemang, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South. The deteriorating condition of the river is jeopardizing access to clean drinking water for communities reliant on it.

The issue has been exacerbated by the shutdown of the Ghana Water Company Limited’s treatment plant in Kibi, which has been non-operational since August 2025. During an inspection of the Birim River alongside the District Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited in Kibi, Dr Agyemang revealed that the pollution had reached such a degree that it posed serious risks to thousands of residents, especially vulnerable households dependent on continuous access to bottled or sachet water for their daily needs.

He emphasized that the Birim River is their lifeline and cannot be lost. To bring attention to the crisis, Dr Agyemang has embarked on a live media tour of illegal mining sites throughout the Abuakwa South constituency, accompanied by security forces and local leaders. This tour aims to expose the extent of environmental degradation and push for accountability from those responsible for the river's destruction.

Dr Agyemang is urgently calling for coordinated action to stop illegal mining, safeguard the Birim River, and facilitate the restoration of water treatment operations. He warns that if the river's condition continues to worsen, it will not only deepen the existing water crisis but could also leave future generations with a severely compromised natural resource.

Dr Agyemang believes that exposing the devastation will escalate pressure on authorities to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and restore polluted water bodies in the area.