The Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region is experiencing a severe crisis concerning illegal mining activities that are rapidly degrading the region’s forests and contaminating major water bodies, prompting a petition from traditional chiefs to President John Dramani Mahama. The chiefs, led by Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, are voicing deep concerns over the escalating destruction of the area’s natural resources.
The situation, according to the chiefs, has reached a critical stage, particularly along the River Tano, which they claim has been severely contaminated by illegal mining operations. They accuse state-led initiatives, notably the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, of failing to effectively contain this problem. The chiefs emphasize the inadequacy of current enforcement measures, citing the lack of decisive action by these institutions.
The concerns were raised during a courtesy visit by Dr. Boako on Tuesday, and the chiefs highlight a growing frustration over weak law enforcement and the apprehension of suspected illegal miners by local authorities. Nana Kwapem Peni, the Chief of the Tanoso Traditional Council, described the River Tano as ‘badly affected’ – the water’s color has significantly diminished, prompting a demand for immediate intervention. He asserts that the damage is irreversible and threatens the long-term health of the area. He stated, “We are left with no choice but to make an urgent appeal directly to President Mahama to intervene immediately and save our water bodies before everything is lost.” The chiefs further lament the lack of clear enforcement and prosecution against those involved in illegal mining.
The Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, recounted a specific incident where residents and traditional authorities reportedly arrested miners operating along the River Tano and handed them over to the police. He claimed that the suspects were subsequently released, a development he described as undermining local efforts to support the national fight against illegal mining. He expressed concern that this practice could discourage communities from actively participating in efforts to protect their natural resources.
Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV argued that continued releases of suspected illegal miners could further weaken local support for protection efforts. He called for stronger enforcement and prosecution of those involved in illegal mining, emphasizing the need for collective action involving traditional authorities, residents, state institutions, and other stakeholders. The MP, Dr. Boako, acknowledged the chiefs’ efforts to protect forest and water resources, and pledged his support for initiatives aimed at restoring the River Tano and curbing illegal mining in the region. He urged residents to broaden their focus beyond the miners working at illegal sites, and to expose individuals who facilitate these operations. He said the fight against galamsey requires a concerted effort to address the problem at all levels, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the region’s environmental and economic well-being.”
Statistics show that approximately 15% of the river’s water bodies are currently contaminated, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Rural Development. The government has pledged to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter, but the chiefs insist that immediate action is crucial to mitigate the damage and prevent further environmental degradation.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of the Tano North area to illegal mining activities, and the chiefs’ urgent plea for President Mahama to intervene represents a significant challenge to the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development in the region. The long-term consequences of inaction could be devastating to the region’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of its people.”
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Source: Adom Online
