The Tano River, one of Ghana’s vital water bodies, has become the latest casualty of illegal mining, as three Asian nationals were caught diverting the river’s course to facilitate their illicit activities.
Morning show host Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah of Angel FM, along with his colleague Kwame Appiah Kubi, exposed the illegal operations taking place within the Tano Nimri Forest in Asankragua, located in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region.
The suspects, who were apprehended in the act, had reportedly diverted the flow of the Tano River to aid their mining operations. This has led to significant pollution of the river, which is a critical water source for the surrounding communities.
The actions of the illegal miners have sparked concern among environmental activists and local residents, who fear the long-term impact on the river and the surrounding ecosystem.
The Tano River, revered for its ancient origins and essential role in supporting both wildlife and human settlements, is now at risk of severe degradation due to the reckless activities of the miners.
It flows for 400 kilometres from a town called Traa a suburb of Techiman the capital town of Bono East Region.