The Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri Royal Families of Wenchi have issued a statement calling on relevant state authorities to investigate reported mining activities and environmental damage around Twrontwo, near Atuna. The statement, released on September 5, 2026, referred to a report known as the Kwasieda Booni, or “Dark Sunday” Report, which documented mining operations, excavated pits, and environmental damage.
According to the royal families, the reports also documented concerns about the condition of the Tain River, an important source of water with historic significance to Wenchiman. The families referred to allegations contained in the reports concerning interactions between the mining operator and some members of the Wenchi Traditional Council, including alleged payments and other arrangements connected with the mining activities.
The reports recorded that the Wenchihene had advised chiefs and other persons who had received money from the operator to return it. However, the families stressed that the allegations have not been judicially established. They said the latest update available to them, dated February 24, 2026, reported the re-emergence of mining activity in the area and claims by operators that they had been brought there by a chief of the Traditional Council.
The royal families are calling for an independent and transparent investigation to establish what occurred, who was involved, and whether any laws or regulations were breached. They want to know who operated at Twrontwo and under what authority, whether money was paid to any individuals, and for what purpose, and whether any such payments were returned.
The families are also calling for the affected lands to be properly reclaimed and for measures to protect the Tain River from further degradation. They urged traditional authorities, state institutions, and other stakeholders to treat the protection of the Tain River and agricultural lands as a matter of common concern.
The call comes amid broader concerns about illegal mining and its effects on water bodies and agricultural lands in the Bono Region. The families said their position is not that the allegations should be treated as established facts, but that the allegations are sufficiently serious to warrant investigation, and any wrongdoing established should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Wenchi Royal Families' concerns are part of a larger issue of illegal mining in Ghana, which has been linked to environmental degradation and social unrest. The incident highlights the need for effective regulation and enforcement of mining activities to prevent harm to local communities and the environment.
Key points
- The Wenchi Royal Families are calling for an investigation into reported mining activities and environmental damage around Twrontwo, near Atuna.
- The Tain River is an important source of water with historic significance to Wenchiman.
- The incident highlights the need for effective regulation and enforcement of mining activities to prevent harm to local communities and the environment.
