Atronie Traditional Authority rejects REGSEC's response to illegal mining, demands urgent action

The Atronie Traditional Authority and residents of Atronie rejected the response of the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to the destruction of the Atronie Amoma River by illegal miners on July 30, 2026, describing the Council's directives as inadequate and contradictory. The Traditional Authority accused REGSEC of failing to address the environmental crisis despite witnessing the extent of damage caused by illegal mining during its visit to the area.

According to the statement, REGSEC observed the pollution of the Atronie Amoma River, destruction of farmlands, and the impact of illegal mining on the livelihoods and health of residents. However, the Traditional Authority stated that instead of ordering an immediate halt to mining activities, REGSEC allowed operators time to present licenses and other documents while operations continued. The community questioned the Council's position on documentation, recalling that during an earlier meeting with the Bono Regional Minister, it was stated that if mining activities were legal, necessary documents would already have been available. The Traditional Authority also criticized REGSEC for calling on the Regional House of Chiefs to advise traditional authorities against illegal mining rather than taking direct action against individuals involved. It maintained that if any chief is found to be involved in illegal mining, the person should be identified and prosecuted instead of creating suspicion without evidence.