The Presiding Member of the Tano North Municipal Assembly, Mr. Boakye Michael Houston, has commended the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Pius Opoku, for what he described as decisive leadership in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) in the municipality, while rejecting claims that the Member of Parliament for area, Dr Gideon Boako was responsible for the deployment of the anti-galamsey task force.

Addressing a press conference on matters of public interest, Mr. Houston said Mr. Pius Opoku engaged the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) on January 8 for the second time, following the resurgence of illegal mining activities after an earlier operation.

According to him, the engagement resulted in NAiMOS agreeing to return to Tano North to complete ongoing enforcement actions.

He disclosed that on January 15, NAiMOS returned to the affected sites and successfully carried out operations to dismantle illegal mining equipment, destroy unlawful structures, reclaim degraded land and restore the free flow of the river body, in collaboration with the Municipal Assembly.

Mr. Houston praised the MCE for his “unwavering commitment” to environmental protection, describing his actions as a demonstration of genuine leadership aimed at restoring peace, harmony and environmental sanity in the municipality.

He also expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Mr Pius Opoku as MCE.

However, the Presiding Member raised concerns over publications attributed to Joy News Online, suggesting that Mr Gideon Boako was responsible for bringing NAiMOS to Tano North.

He called on the media house to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deployment in the interest of accuracy and responsible journalism.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Gideon Boako had no role or knowledge in the decision or process that brought NAiMOS to Tano North,” Mr. Houston stated, adding that if the information originated from Mr. Boako’s office, it would be “most unfortunate and regrettable.”

He stressed that public officials, particularly Members of Parliament, have a duty to uphold truth, integrity and service, and should not take credit for actions they did not initiate.

He further said that if it is established that the claims indeed did not come from Dr. Gideon Boako’s office, the MP owes the people of Tano North a public apology.

Mr. Houston reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to protecting the environment, safeguarding water bodies—especially the River Tano—and ensuring that truth and accountability prevail in matters affecting the municipality.