Residents and youth of Tanoso in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region have arrested the Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Area, Nana Amoako Atta, over alleged involvement in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, near the River Tano.
The traditional leader was arrested on Sunday, August 16, after residents reportedly caught him transporting sacks of mineral-bearing stones and sand from an illegal mining site to the palace.
The youth claimed Nana Amoako Atta asserted ownership of the materials when confronted. He was subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
Speaking at a press conference in Tanoso on Monday, youth leader Abdul Razak Iddriss said residents had for some time suspected the chief of involvement in illegal mining but lacked evidence to substantiate their claims.
He said the arrest had provided what the youth considered concrete evidence and marked a significant development in their campaign against galamsey in the area.
“This arrest marks a major milestone in our local fight against illegal mining, which has polluted our iconic Tano River beyond recognition,” Mr Iddriss said.
According to him, residents initially believed the traditional leader was confiscating mining materials from illegal miners, but subsequent developments allegedly suggested otherwise.
Chiefs Petition Mahama Over Galamsey
The arrest comes shortly after traditional authorities in Tano North appealed to President John Mahama to urgently intervene in the worsening illegal mining situation in the municipality.
The chiefs said galamsey activities had severely degraded forests and polluted critical water bodies, particularly the River Tano.
They also accused state institutions mandated to combat illegal mining, including the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, of failing to halt the destruction.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Tano North Member of Parliament, Dr Gideon Boako, the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the River Tano.
“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 said.
Nana Kwapem Peni appealed directly to President Mahama to take urgent action to protect the municipality’s forests and water bodies.
The Chief of Afrisipakrom, Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV, also expressed frustration over what he described as ineffective prosecution of suspected illegal miners arrested by residents.
He alleged that some illegal miners apprehended while operating along the Tano River were handed over to the police but were subsequently released.
Call for No Interference
Meanwhile, residents have cautioned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation into Nana Amoako Atta.
A resident, Frank Antwi Adjei, called on traditional leaders who might seek to intervene on behalf of the accused chief to desist.
He also urged the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive, Pius Opoku, to ensure that the case was handled strictly in accordance with the law.
Police authorities have confirmed the arrest and transferred the suspect to the Divisional Police Headquarters at Duayaw-Nkwanta.
The transfer, carried out with assistance from the Ahafo Regional Police Command, was reportedly intended to prevent local interference, with the Regional Command taking over investigations.
The Tano North MP, Dr Gideon Boako, has meanwhile commended the traditional authorities and residents for their efforts to protect the municipality’s natural resources.
He urged residents to channel their anger towards illegal miners and the financiers behind their operations.
He warned that unless communities unite to confront illegal mining, the health and environmental consequences of polluted rivers would continue to worsen.
The latest development has heightened tensions over galamsey in Tano North, where residents and traditional authorities are demanding stronger enforcement measures and urgent action to restore the polluted River Tano.
