Accra: Some aggrieved farmers and stakeholders in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region have expressed their displeasure about the wanton pollution and destruction of the ‘Bisi’ River course by some alleged Chinese illegal miners, operating in the area. They called on the security agencies to be expeditious and stem the activities of the miners to create a safe living environment for them and also protect the water body, their farms, and other properties.

According to Ghana News Agency, during a visit to the area, the visibly angry farmers insisted that if nothing was done immediately, they would take the law into their hands, stem their operations, and drive the miners away from the area. The agency sighted an excavator machine, and some mining tools, equipment, and implements at the illegal mining site at Bisi, a farming community. Though the miners were not seen on site, they had also cleared large portions of farms apparently to extend their illegal mining activities.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Antwi Bosiako, the Chief of Krofrom, said illegal miners began their activities last Monday, September 29, 2025, noting that the Bisi river, a tributary of the River Tano, had changed, turning brownish in color. He emphasized that the river remained the only major source of water supply for the communities, stating that the people of Krofrom, Besi, Mankran, Adrobaa, Subriso, and Sukuumo Number Two largely depended on that river for their survival. Nana Bosiako remarked that ‘polluting and destroying the river is more like making us lifeless,’ and called for the intervention of the security services and the government.

Nana Kumi Yeboah, the Nifahene (sub-chief) of Mankran, another worst-affected community in the area, also reported that the illegal miners had caused extensive damage to their farms and the vegetative cover. Dr. Freda Prempeh, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tano North Constituency, commented on the situation, stressing that if the turbidity levels of the Bisi and Tano Rivers rise, then the local farmers will suffer significantly. She urged the traditional authorities, Assembly Members, and opinion leaders in the affected communities to do more to ensure the safety of their community.

Dr. Prempeh underscored that ‘It’s a collective responsibility, and as a parent and former MP and former Minister of Water and Sanitation, I am scared, sad, and want to add my voice to the persistent calls on the government to stop galamsey in our dear nation.’ Meanwhile, the Duayaw Nkwanta Traditional Council in the area had also condemned the alleged illegal mining activities. Nana Boakye Bonsu, the Acting President of the Traditional Council, highlighted their strong opposition to illegal mining and urged the Tano North Municipal Security Committee (MISEC) to investigate and address the situation.

However, Mr. Pius Sampson Opoku, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive, refuted claims of illegal mining activities in the area, asserting that the Chinese miners had acquired licenses. He informed the media that two small-scale mining companies, including the Chinese miners, had acquired concessions in the Municipality to undertake their mining activities, claiming that it was untrue that their activities were polluting and destroying the Bisi and Tano Rivers.