Nana Asare Baffour II, Chief of Bamiri and Tuntuhene of the Techiman Traditional Council, has dismissed claims that traditional authorities have sold the Tano River—an issue that sparked concern among residents during this year’s Apoɔ Festival.
According to him, the real threat to the river is not any sale, but the impact of human activities such as farming, logging, and encroachment along its banks. He warned that these practices are gradually depleting the river and endangering crocodiles and other species regarded as sacred and central to the spiritual life of the people of Techiman.
Nana Asare Baffour made the remarks while representing Oseadeyor Akumfi Ameyaw IV at the launch of the Tano River Crocodile Sanctuary in Techiman, the Bono East Regional capital.
The sanctuary is an initiative of Threatened Species Conservation Alliance, a non-governmental organisation working to protect the Tano River and its ecosystem, including crocodiles, fish, monkeys, bats, tortoises, snakes, and forest vegetation.
He urged residents to support the project to safeguard the river and its wildlife for future generations.
Also speaking at the event, Kwaku Agyei Mensah called on residents to promote the sanctuary as a tourism attraction. He said increased visitor interest could boost revenue for the Assembly and contribute to local economic development.
Meanwhile, Alexander Boakye, speaking on behalf of affected farmers, appealed to THRESCOAL to expedite compensation payments agreed upon before they vacated their lands to make way for the project.
In an interview after the event, Emmanuel Amoah revealed that about 470 crocodiles have been identified along the Techiman stretch of the Tano River. He called on residents and stakeholders to help protect them.
He added that the initiative goes beyond wildlife conservation, stressing that protecting the Tano River itself is critical, as it remains the main source of drinking water for the people of Techiman. Without urgent action, he warned, the river risks drying up in the years ahead.