We reported galamsey sites to relevant authorities, but nothing happened – Tanoso Ankobeahene

Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, the Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, has expressed frustration over the handling of equipment seized during operations against illegal mining in the Tanoso area of the Ahafo Region. He and other traditional leaders, youth representatives, assembly members, and the police have multiple times visited suspected illegal mining sites and reported their findings to the appropriate authorities.

During one such operation, a young man admitted to illegal mining activities, and the team found rocks believed to have been extracted from the site in his vehicle. However, despite making a case against the individual, he has not yet been brought to court. Another operation at Subri through Tano allegedly discovered an excavator and changfang machines at a location prepared for illegal mining.

The team documented their findings and reported the matter to the relevant authorities, but no further action has been taken to date. Nana Atta also revealed that the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive and his taskforce arrested some people in connection with illegal mining activities, but they were later granted bail while their equipment remained at the Tanoso Police Station.

When traditional authorities later learned that the same equipment had been released to the suspects, they sought clarification from the police commander. The commander claimed that the police were following instructions from above, leaving the traditional leaders and stakeholders concerned about the lack of coordination among the police, municipal authorities, traditional leaders, and other security agencies in the fight against illegal mining.