Chiefs Unite to Condemn Galamsey Devastation in Ghana’s River Tano

Traditional authorities in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region have condemned the widespread destruction of forests and pollution of water resources caused by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. The chiefs made the appeal to President John Mahama on Tuesday, calling for immediate executive action to halt the devastation of the area's forests and water bodies.

Chiefs Blame State Institutions for Failure to Combat Galamsey

The chiefs of the Tanoso Traditional Council and the Chief of Afrisipakrom have accused state institutions mandated to combat illegal mining of failing to stop the destruction of their forests and rivers. According to the traditional leaders, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards have failed to take effective action against the perpetrators.

Nana Kwapem Peni, the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, expressed profound concern over the deteriorating condition of the River Tano during a courtesy call by the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako. "It brings us immense sadness to see what has become of our beloved Tano River," Nana Kwapem Peni stated. "Today, the water has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition."

Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, the Chief of Afrisipakrom, echoed the frustration of the chiefs, describing how residents in the area had taken steps to apprehend illegal miners operating along the Tano River, only for the suspects to be released by the police. "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."

Residents Express Frustration Over Lack of Effective Prosecution

The chiefs and residents of Tano North have expressed frustration over the lack of effective prosecution of those responsible for the destruction of their forests and water bodies. According to Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, the municipal police authorities have simply discharged the suspects 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 said.

Dr Gideon Boako, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, 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 the illegal miners and the alleged financiers behind their operations. "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," Dr Boako said.

Community Concerns Over Severe Health Crisis

For residents of Tano North, the deteriorating condition of the River Tano has become a particularly pressing concern given the river's importance to communities in the area. The chiefs and residents are worried about the severe health crisis caused by the polluted rivers and are calling on President John Mahama to intervene immediately to halt the devastation of the area's forests and water bodies.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the traditional authorities and residents of Tano North remain hopeful that the government will take immediate action to address the crisis. The chiefs have made a direct appeal to President John Mahama to intervene and save their water bodies before everything is lost.

Source: JOY