The Birim Central Municipal Assembly has collaborated with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to launch a comprehensive crackdown on illegal mining, otherwise known as “galamsey” activities within the Municipality.
Birim Central Municipal and NAIMOS’ joint operation formed part of the municipality’s intensified efforts to curb the growing threat of illegal mining within its jurisdiction. The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Solomon Brako Kusi, emphasized that the operation is to ensure environmental stewardship.
“The operation formed part of ongoing measures to protect the environment, safeguard water bodies within the municipality.”
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Solomon Kusi Brako.
The team which comprised of officials from the Municipal Assembly and NAIMOS, visited several identified hotspot zones within the municipality where illegal mining activities were taking place, with the aim of enforcing compliance.
The municipal over the decades has been exposed to series of illegal miming activities. The areas within the municipal including the Birim river has suffered from these illegal and unwarranted activities therefore, compelling the stakeholder within and beyond the municipality to employ several approaches to see to the complete elimination of the activities.
Some of these approaches include the arrest of three Chinese nationals at the Birim River about three months ago. As a result of unrelented efforts and the quest to have this menace solved, has as well necessitated this joint operation.
The Galamsey menace which has on a larger scale, been a national threat has engineered public conversation thereby, putting pressure on both national and local government. The local government bodies including District and Municipal Assemblies have also in response, taken bold actions to have this menace solved.
Seizing Equipment and Dismantling Illegal Operations
The collaborative effort yielded significant results, as the NAIMOS team successfully seized the equipment of the illegal miners. The MCE further enumerated on the number of items confiscated from those galamsey sites the team stormed.
“The NAIMOS team successfully seized excavator components (control boards) and motorbikes and also set ablaze makeshift tents that had been set up by illegal miners for unlawful activities.”
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Solomon Kusi Brako.
The crackdown on illegal mining activities is a crucial step in the Birim Central Municipality’s efforts to protect the environment and preserve the integrity of its water bodies.
As Hon. Brako Kusi emphasized, “This collaborative effort underscores the Assembly’s firm commitment to supporting the national campaign against illegal mining and to ensuring that the municipality remains a safe and sustainable environment for all.”
The decision to partner with NAIMOS reflects the municipality’s recognition of the far-reaching consequences of illegal mining, which can have devastating effects on the local ecosystem, water sources, and the overall well-being of the community.
By taking decisive action, the Birim Central Municipal Assembly is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate any activities that threaten the delicate balance of the region’s natural resources.
Commending the Partnership and Assuring Sustained Action
The Municipal Chief Executive also thanked NAIMOS for their participation and assured residents of the municipality of the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to curbing the activities of galamsey within the Municipality.
This collaborative approach between the local government and the national anti-illegal mining task force underscores the importance of a coordinated and multi-stakeholder effort in addressing the complex issue of illegal mining.
By working together, the Birim Central Municipal Assembly and NAIMOS are demonstrating their commitment to finding effective solutions that prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development.
The success of this recent operation serves as a testament to the municipality’s determination to safeguard its natural resources and create a healthier, more sustainable future for its residents.
As the fight against illegal mining continues, the Birim Central Municipal Assembly’s unwavering stance and its partnership with NAIMOS will undoubtedly inspire other local authorities to follow suit, ultimately leading to a more holistic and impactful approach to combating the galamsey menace in the country.
