Chiefs of Tano North in the Ahafo Region have appealed to President John Mahama to urgently intervene and stop the destruction of the River Tano, which they claim has been devastated by widespread illegal mining. The traditional leaders say state institutions mandated to combat the issue have failed to halt the destruction of the municipality's forests and water bodies.
Chiefs Blame State Institutions for Failure to Stop Galamsey
Traditional authorities in the Tano North Municipality, including the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, and the Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, have expressed frustration over the lack of effective prosecution of those involved in the illegal mining activities. The chiefs say residents in the area, supported by traditional authorities, had taken steps to apprehend illegal miners allegedly operating along the Tano River, only for the suspects to be released by the police.
Nana Kwapem Peni expressed profound concern over the deteriorating condition of the river, stating that "It 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." He called for immediate executive action to save the water bodies before everything is lost.
The Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, echoed the frustration, saying, "The frustration we are facing in this community is unbelievable. 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."
MPs Pledge Support for Efforts to Protect Natural Resources
Responding to the concerns raised by the traditional leaders, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, commended the chiefs for their leadership and pledged his continued support for efforts to protect the municipality's natural resources. He urged residents to direct their frustration towards illegal miners and the alleged financiers behind their operations.
Dr Boako said, "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."
What's Next for the Tano North Community
The deteriorating condition of the River Tano has become a pressing concern for residents of Tano North, given the river's importance to communities in the area. The chiefs' appeal to President Mahama highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to save the water bodies. As the community continues to fight against galamsey, it remains to be seen whether the government will intervene and take concrete steps to address the issue.
Source: Joy Online
