Chief of Akyem Sokode-Juaso, Barimah Dr. Kwabena Awuah Parker I
Correspondence from Eastern region
The Chief of Akyem Sokode-Juaso and leader of the Okyeman Environmental Protection Brigade, Barimah Dr. Kwabena Awuah Parker I, has issued a passionate appeal to Ghanaians and stakeholders to rally behind the fight to restore the Birim River and protect the nation’s forest reserves from the destructive impact of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Monday, April 21, 2025, in an interview with host Chief Jerry Forson, Barimah Dr. Parker described the recent state of degradation along the Birim River as “heartbreaking and deeply alarming.” His remarks followed a week-long field visit by the Okyeman Environmental Protection Brigade, during which they inspected several mining sites across the Eastern Region.
According to the chief, the team, which included officers from National Security, undertook a special operation dubbed “Restore Birim River”, aimed at assessing the extent of environmental damage and sensitizing miners on responsible mining practices. The operation took place in communities such as Akyem Adukrom, Kyebi Asikam, Kyebi Pano, Kyebi Habitat, and Kyebi Odumasi — all of which have been heavily affected by illegal mining activities.
“We saw with our own eyes the destruction caused by galamsey. It is more than just polluted water; our forest reserves are vanishing, our lands are being stripped, and our people’s health is at stake,” Dr. Parker lamented.
He stressed that while government and traditional leadership — including the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin — have shown strong commitment to ending illegal mining, their efforts alone are not enough. “This is a fight for all of us. We must unite — chiefs, citizens, media, NGOs, and government — to restore our natural heritage. The Birim River is our lifeline,” he urged.
The Chief further called on small-scale miners to adopt environmentally friendly practices and respect the required buffer zones — particularly the 50-meter no-go area around the Birim River — to prevent further pollution and degradation.
The Birim River, a vital water body in the Eastern Region, has been heavily polluted in recent years due to uncontrolled mining. Efforts such as these by the Okyeman Environmental Protection Brigade signal a renewed determination to reverse the damage and preserve Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
