Bono Minister doubles down on galamsey fight as Atronie chiefs escalate pressure

The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has intensified his defence of the government's anti-galamsey operations, displaying impounded mining equipment as proof of enforcement action whilst facing mounting criticism from Atronie traditional authorities over environmental degradation and alleged inaction.

Speaking after inspecting excavators and machinery seized by the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Mr Akwaboa dismissed suggestions that authorities have been complacent in combating illegal mining. He highlighted the seizure of 11 excavators, eight tricycles, 32 motorbikes, water pumping machines and generators as tangible evidence of the region's enforcement efforts. "We are not sleeping. We are combating galamsey," the Minister declared, emphasising that the operations represent regional security work, not national initiatives.

The Atronie controversy deepens

The standoff reflects growing tensions between the Regional Coordinating Council and the Atronie Traditional Council, who have publicly accused the Minister of failing to respond promptly to warnings about illegal mining that has severely polluted the Amoma River and destroyed farmlands. The chiefs claim that delays in official action emboldened illegal miners and alleged that during a ministerial visit to affected sites, landguards physically prevented him from accessing certain areas whilst illegal miners operated openly.

In a dramatic escalation, the traditional authorities have reportedly invoked spiritual intervention, calling upon local deities to address the environmental crisis after alleging that government inaction has failed to halt river pollution. Mr Akwaboa, however, rejected these accusations outright, insisting that "people will get to know what is happening in Atronie and who is telling the truth" and claiming to possess "undisputed video evidence" of his site visits.

Why galamsey remains a critical issue for Ghana

The Atronie dispute underscores the ongoing tension between environmental protection and enforcement capacity across Ghana's mining regions. Illegal mining has become a persistent challenge for successive administrations, with communities repeatedly reporting water contamination, agricultural destruction, and ecosystem damage. The involvement of traditional authorities—historically key stakeholders in local governance—signals that frustration over galamsey's environmental impact is reaching critical levels in affected areas.

Beyond Atronie, the Minister disclosed that the Bono Region has submitted a comprehensive list of known illegal mining sites to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for coordinated action. He also revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is pursuing legislation that would enable permanent confiscation of seized equipment, a move designed to remove financial incentives for illegal miners to reclaim impounded machinery.

Mr Akwaboa's response to questions about equipment ownership was uncompromising: "Nobody can approach me. If you come to me, I will arrest you. I don't even know who owns these excavators. I've impounded them." This stance reflects the government's stated priority to protect water bodies, particularly the heavily polluted Amoma River.

The Minister's defence is framed within the broader presidential directive against galamsey, with Mr Akwaboa stating that the President's opposition to illegal mining means the region will continue aggressive enforcement. However, his reluctance to address Atronie chiefs' allegations in detail—reserving full responses for "the appropriate time"—suggests ongoing negotiations or pending formal statements on the dispute.