The Akwamuhene of Mpasaaso No. 2 in the Ashanti Region, Nana Agyei Mensah, is appealing to President John Mahama to intervene urgently as illegal miners continue to overrun vital streams, forest reserves and family lands within the community.

According to the chief, repeated petitions to the Ghana Police Service, the Regional Security Liaison Office, the Minerals Development Fund and the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West have yielded no meaningful response.

JoyNews understands that several letters have been sent to various state institutions seeking intervention, yet no concrete action has been taken.

This latest crisis follows the destoolment of the former chief of Mpasaaso No. 2, Nana Ampofo Twumasi, earlier this year by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The town’s administration and its natural resources were subsequently placed under the care of the Akwamuhene, Nana Agyei Mensah.

Speaking to JoyNews, Nana Agyei Mensah said the illegal mining—locally known as galamsey—which existed under the previous leadership, had worsened significantly. He expressed frustration that efforts to secure assistance from both the Mankranso District Police and the Regional Police Headquarters in Kumasi had proved futile.

“I have taken it upon myself to bring the situation under control by reporting the case to the District Police Commander at Mankranso and the Regional Police Commander in Kumasi, all to no avail,” he said.

The chief further recounted how he sought support from the Regional Security Liaison Officer, Jabari, and his deputy, but weeks have passed without any visible action.

“I sat in front of the Regional Security Liaison Officer, Jabari, and his deputy to seek help in stopping the illegality, but it’s been weeks—no action,” he added.

Nana Agyei Mensah described the presence of illegal miners across Nyamebekyere and surrounding areas as overwhelming, stating that more excavators arrive daily.

He lamented that once-pristine streams such as Bone and Asuakor have now turned “milky brown” due to the intensity of the mining operations.

The chief is therefore calling on President Mahama, alongside relevant state agencies such as NAIMOS, to come to the immediate aid of Mpasaaso No. 2. “The President needs to come to our aid!” he appealed.