Environmental Crisis in Kyebi: Birem River Pollution Forces Water Plant Shutdown
JHNews || The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has shut down the Kyebi Water Treatment Plant due to extreme pollution of the Birem River caused by illegal mining.
HENRY GERCHI 
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has shut down its Kyebi Treatment Plant following dangerously high turbidity levels in the Birem River, the main water source for the area.
According to Eastern Regional GWCL Manager, Ing. Paul Cletus Akpanya, the river’s turbidity fluctuates between 5,000 and 8,000 NTU, far above the safe threshold for treatment. This alarming condition, caused largely by illegal mining activities, has rendered the river untreatable.
“We need our water to return clean before we can resume work,” Ing. Akpanya stated, highlighting the severity of the pollution.
The shutdown threatens water supply to several communities, raising renewed concerns over government’s failure to clamp down on galamsey despite years of promises.
Experts warn that if pollution persists, the Eastern Region could face a major water crisis, mirroring similar shutdowns across mining zones.
