- Jimi River heavily polluted due to illegal mining activities
- AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) concerned over high turbidity levels
- MCE Kofi William working with MESEC and AGA on cleanup operation
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi East, Adzowu Kofi William, has raised alarm over the severe pollution of the Jimi River, attributing it to ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) activities along its banks.
Speaking to the media during the commissioning of the Pomposo footbridge by the Underground Mining Alliance, Mr. William noted that AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) has expressed ongoing concerns about the river’s high turbidity levels, which are creating significant environmental and operational problems.
“AGA has been complaining consistently about the turbidity of the Jimi River. We’ve now drawn up a programme with performance indicators to address the issue,” he stated.
The MCE revealed that his office, in collaboration with the Municipal Security Council (MESEC) and AGA, is preparing to launch a multi-phase operation to evict all illegal miners from the river area.
“At our last MESEC meeting, we approved a budget to support this initiative. AGA has agreed to share the cost for the first phase. The goal is clear: remove all illegal miners operating in and around the river,” he said, adding that the plan is in line with the President’s directive prohibiting mining in water bodies and forest reserves.
Mr. William further disclosed that preparations are nearly complete, and the operation is expected to commence in November.
“Both AGA and the assembly are ready. By November, we aim to begin this exercise to reclaim the river and preserve our water and forest resources for the future.”
