Chief arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining in Tano North
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, for his alleged involvement in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, near the iconic Tano River.
In the Tano North Municipality of Ghana's Ahafo Region, a traditional leader named Nana Amoako Atta, also known as the Ankobeahene of Tanoso, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, near the Tano River. The arrest took place on Sunday when the suspect was caught in the act, transporting sacks of mineral-containing stones and sand from an illegal mining site to his palace, asserting ownership of the materials. He was then turned over to the police.
At a press conference held in Tanoso on Monday, August 17, 2026, youth leader Abdul Razak Iddriss revealed that residents had long suspected Nana Amoako Atta but lacked solid evidence until now. According to Iddriss, the arrest represents a significant step in the community's ongoing battle against illegal mining, which has severely polluted the Tano River. He clarified that while some initially believed the chief was taking items from illegal miners, his actions at his residence proved his direct involvement.
Following the empowerment of local communities by traditional authorities in the Ahafo Region to arrest individuals damaging forests and water bodies, the case has received strong warnings from concerned citizens against resolving the issue outside the formal legal system. Frank Antwi Adjei, a local resident, urged traditional leaders attempting to intervene on behalf of the chief to cease their actions immediately.
He also called on the Municipal Chief Executive for Tano North, Pius Opoku, to ensure that the law is upheld without any compromises.
Police officials in the municipality have confirmed the arrest, and the suspect has since been transferred to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Duayaw-Nkwanta with the assistance of the Ahafo Regional Police Command. The command has officially assumed responsibility for the investigation. Key stakeholders in the municipality, including Member of Parliament Dr. Gideon Boako, the Municipal Chief Executive, security agencies, media outlets, and youth groups, have reaffirmed their dedication to eliminating illegal mining and restoring the Tano River.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
