Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
A Rocha Ghana, Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, and Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape have issued a press statement condemning the attempted illegal diversion of the Birim River by a mining operation. The incident, which occurred at Apapam, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for decisive action against the perpetrators.
The mining entity, belonging to Mr. Emmanuel Gamah and operating from Kwabeng, allegedly excavated trenches and constructed a diversion channel to redirect the river within its bed. This activity, which targeted the river as it exits the ecologically critical Atewa Forest Reserve, has caused severe degradation and destroyed native tree species, including Mahogany, Emire, and Ofram.
The The CSOs Against Galamsey have demanded that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Water Resources Commission (WRC), and Minerals Commission take immediate action to:
Apprehend and Prosecute, Mr. Emmanuel Gamah and all individuals involved in the illegal mining activity should be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for illegal mining, environmental destruction, and cultural desecration.
Restore the Environment, The perpetrator must cover up all trenches and fully restore the destroyed planted site.
Investigate Complicity, Authorities must investigate any potential complicity at any level, including the mining company and leaders involved.
The Birim River diversion incident highlights the ongoing struggle against illegal mining in Ghana. The country has lost nearly half of its forest reserves, with 44% of the 288 forest reserves already destroyed, largely due to illegal mining and logging activities. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has described the situation as a national crisis requiring urgent attention.
The government has taken steps to address the issue, including the establishment of a joint military-police task force to enforce the ban on illegal mining. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
The attempted diversion of the Birim River is a stark reminder of the need for decisive action against illegal mining in Ghana. The organizations behind the press statement are calling for a dedicated and committed effort to address the impunity of miners encroaching on rivers and forest bodies. As the nation mourns the loss of patriots who died in the line of duty fighting against illegal mining, it is imperative that the government and traditional authorities act decisively to prevent further destruction of Ghana's natural heritage.³