Mahama’s Ultimatum: Tano North Chiefs Unite Against Devastating Galamsey Menace

Traditional authorities in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region have appealed to President John Mahama to intervene in the devastating galamsey menace, which has ravaged forests and polluted critical water resources, including the iconic River Tano. The chiefs, led by the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, claim that state institutions mandated to combat illegal mining have failed to halt the destruction.

Chiefs' Ultimatum to President Mahama

Traditional authorities in the Tano North Municipality have issued a stern warning to President John Mahama, urging him to take immediate executive action to save the water bodies in the area. According to the chiefs, the continued destruction of the municipality's forests and water bodies by galamsey operators has reached a crisis point.

Nana Kwapem Peni expressed profound concern over the deteriorating condition of the river, stating, "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." The chiefs claim that despite efforts by residents, led by traditional authorities, to apprehend illegal miners, the suspects are being released by the police.

Frustration Over Ineffective Prosecution

The Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, echoed the frustration of the chiefs over the lack of effective prosecution of galamsey operators. He described how residents had risked their lives to catch the illegal miners red-handed, 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, but to our total dismay, the municipal police authorities simply discharged them and set them all free."

MP's Support for Chiefs' Efforts

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. Dr Boako urged 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," Dr Boako said.

The Fight Against Galamsey Continues

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' appeal to President Mahama is a call to action, urging the government to take decisive steps to halt the destruction of the municipality's forests and water bodies. As the fight against galamsey continues, the residents of Tano North remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that their beloved River Tano will once again be restored to its former glory.

Source: Joy Online