Some aggrieved farmers and stakeholders in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region have expressed deep concern over the pollution and destruction of the Bisi River by alleged Chinese illegal miners operating in the area.
They have called on the security agencies to act swiftly to stop the activities of the miners in order to safeguard their environment, farmlands, and water sources.
During a visit to the area, the visibly angry farmers warned that if authorities failed to intervene immediately, they would be compelled to take matters into their own hands and drive the miners away.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed an excavator, mining tools, and other equipment at an illegal mining site at Bisi, a farming community. Although the miners were not present during the visit, large portions of farmlands had been cleared, apparently to extend their operations.
In an interview with the GNA, Nana Antwi Bosiako, Chief of Krofrom, said the illegal mining activities began on Monday, September 29, 2025. He noted that since then, the Bisi River—a tributary of the River Tano—had turned brownish in colour.
He explained that the Bisi River is the main source of water for several communities, including Krofrom, Besi, Mankran, Adrobaa, Subriso, and Sukuumo Number Two, all of which depend on it for survival.
Nana Bosiako said, “Polluting and destroying the river is more like making us lifeless,” and called for immediate intervention from the security services and government.
Nana Kumi Yeboah, the Nifahene (sub-chief) of Mankran—one of the worst-affected communities—also told the GNA that the illegal miners had caused extensive damage to farmlands and the vegetative cover.
Commenting on the issue, Dr. Freda Prempeh, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North, said: “If the turbidity levels of the Bisi and Tano Rivers go high, then the local farmers are to suffer a lot.”
“We can’t allow those Chinese miners to destroy our crops, farmlands, forest, and vegetative cover, thereby worsening the plight of our poor farmers who largely survive on peasant farming,” she added.
Dr. Prempeh urged traditional authorities, assembly members, and opinion leaders in the affected communities to do more to ensure safety and environmental protection.
She emphasised: “It’s a collective responsibility, and as a parent, 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 has also condemned the alleged illegal mining in the area.
Nana Boakye Bonsu, Acting President of the Council, told the GNA: “We are strongly against illegal mining here, and we don’t give room for those galamsey activities.”
He called on the Tano North Municipal Security Committee (MISEC) to investigate the matter and take firm action against the perpetrators.
Nana Bonsu said the people had preserved the Bisi River for generations due to its historical significance and its role in providing potable water to local communities.
However, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Pius Sampson Opoku, refuted claims of illegal mining in the area, arguing that the Chinese miners were operating legally.
He told the media that two small-scale mining companies, including the Chinese operators, had obtained valid concessions in the municipality, insisting that their activities were not polluting or destroying the Bisi and Tano Rivers.
— GNA
