Kyebi water treatment plant remains shut as galamsey pollutes Birim River

The water treatment plant serving Kyebi in the Eastern Region remains shut as pollution of the Birim River, linked to illegal mining activities, continues to prevent the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) from treating water for residents.

The situation has left residents in Kyebi and surrounding communities without a reliable supply of running water for more than a year, with households forced to depend on alternative sources to meet their daily water needs.

In a video shared on X by JoyNews on Thursday, September 24, 2026, the extent of the pollution of the Birim River was highlighted, with the condition of the water raising concerns about its suitability for treatment and distribution.

Officials have subsequently called on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to intensify its operations in the area and take steps to halt activities contributing to the degradation of the river.

Galamsey: 'Kyebi Water Treatment Plant hasn't operated for 3 months' - MP

The continued pollution has made it difficult for the GWCL to process water from the Birim River to the required standards, keeping the treatment plant out of operation.

Residents have expressed concerns about the prolonged water crisis, which has affected households and businesses in the area for more than 12 months.

The situation has also renewed concerns about the impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s major water bodies and the ability of water treatment facilities to provide potable water to communities that depend on them.

Watch the video below

Kyebi’s water treatment plant remains shut as pollution of the Birim River from illegal mining prevents Ghana Water Company from processing the water.

Officials call on NAIMOS to intensify operations in the area as residents endure more than a year without running water… pic.twitter.com/LIfkTeY5Qy

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) September 24, 2026

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