Chiefs in the Tano North municipality of the Ahafo region have expressed frustration over the increasing illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, in the area, saying the menace has destroyed forest reserves and polluted water bodies, including the famous River Tano.
At a courtesy call by the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, on the chiefs, Adontehene of Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, noted that the bodies mandated to fight illegal mining, including the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, have failed in protecting water bodies and forest reserves in the area.
Nana Peni indicated that the increasing galamsey activities in the area “brings us immense sadness to see what has become of our beloved Tano River. Today, the water has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition.”
“All the state institutions mandated to protect us and fight illegal mining, including NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, have completely failed to stop the destruction of our forests and rivers. We are left with no choice but to make an urgent appeal directly to President John Mahama to intervene immediately and save our water bodies before everything is lost,” he stated further.
On his part, the Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, emphasised on the need to state agencies to prosecute persons behind the illegal act, expressing frustration over how the police release persons apprehended by chiefs and youth of the area for prospecting for gold along the River Tano.
“The frustration we are facing in this community is unbelievable,” Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV said.
“Our people, led by the traditional authorities, risked their lives to catch these illegal miners red-handed as they were polluting the Tano River. We arrested them and handed them over to the police, expecting justice.
“But to our total dismay, the municipal police authorities simply discharged them and set them all free. This national fight against galamsey is completely useless if the very people we arrest are routinely let off the hook,” he expressed.
Dr. Boako, responding to the chiefs’ concerns pledged his support to protecting the natural resources of the area, while commending the chiefs for their effort in fighting the canker.
He, however, urged the residents to direct their frustration towards illegal miners and the alleged financiers behind their operations.
“I want to commend our traditional leaders for their relentless efforts in fighting illegal mining to ensure the Tano River becomes clean again, and I urge you not to relent.
“You have my full support in this fight. But I must also call on the residents of Tano North to direct their anger at these illegal miners and the powerful paymasters behind them.
“If the community does not stand up together against them, the severe health crisis caused by these polluted rivers will never stop,” he admonished.
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