The Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region is experiencing a growing crisis driven by the escalating destruction of its forests and significant contamination of major water bodies by illegal mining activities, according to a communique issued by traditional leaders on Tuesday. The situation, which has reached a critical stage, is primarily concentrated along the River Tano, a waterway vital to the region’s ecosystem and economy.
The chiefs, representing the Tanoso Traditional Council, have formally appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to immediately intervene and safeguard the municipality’s natural resources. They express deep concern over the widespread contamination and the severe degradation of the River Tano, which they describe as a source of significant worry for traditional authorities.
The chiefs’ concerns stem from a demonstrable and escalating problem: the illegal mining operations are directly impacting water quality. They are questioning the effectiveness of state-led efforts to combat galamsey, citing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, among other institutions, as failing to effectively control the issue. The chiefs highlight a lack of consistent enforcement and the apprehension of suspected illegal miners, which they believe has undermined local efforts to combat the problem.
The situation is further complicated by the chiefs’ assertion that the river’s water has become heavily discolored and polluted, demanding immediate action before irreversible damage occurs. Nana Kwapem Peni, Member of Parliament for Tano North, underscored this urgency, stating, “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 are particularly frustrated by the apparent lack of decisive action and the continued release of suspected illegal miners, which they believe discourages community involvement.
The Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, recounted a disturbing incident where residents and traditional authorities allegedly arrested miners operating along the River Tano, handing them over to police. He claimed the suspects were subsequently released, a development he deemed detrimental to local support for national efforts against illegal mining. “Our people, led by the traditional authorities, risked their lives to catch these illegal miners red-handed, polluting the Tano River,” he said. He further stated that continued releases of suspected illegal miners could discourage communities from participating in efforts to protect their natural resources.
The chiefs are advocating for a more robust strategy, calling for stronger enforcement and prosecution of individuals involved in illegal mining to ensure accountability. They are demanding collective action from traditional authorities, residents, state institutions, and other stakeholders to address this escalating crisis. The situation has become particularly acute within communities in Tano North, prompting traditional authorities to seek the government’s assistance in protecting the River Tano and the surrounding forests, which they view as critical to the region’s future.
The situation highlights a growing concern within the Tano North community; the condition of the River Tano has become an increasingly urgent matter, with traditional authorities now actively seeking the government’s support to protect the river and the forests that surround it.
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Source: Adom Online
