Seventy-three illegal miners have been arrested in the Tilli Forest, which spans the Bawku West and Nabdam districts in the Upper East Region.
The miners, who had been hiding in the forest while engaging in illegal mining, were also operating in the Red Volta River that passes through the area.
Among those arrested were two Burkinabe nationals, 27 Togolese, and 41 Ghanaians, including three children.
The operation, conducted on the morning of March 4, 2025, by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), was in response to a recent appeal made by the Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area, Naba Sigiri Bewong.
The operation was led by a team of police, military, and immigration personnel, and resulted in the seizure of air compressors, drilling machines, motorbikes, and gold processing equipment.
During a courtesy call on February 20, 2025, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, received concerns from Naba Bewong about the illegal mining activities in the forest.
The chief emphasized that urgent action was needed to protect the forest reserve, as unchecked mining activities could have dire consequences for surrounding communities.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Atanga confirmed that REGSEC had thoroughly discussed the issue and decided to visit the scene.
“Upon reaching there, we saw many people, including children, actively mining in both the forest reserve and the Red Volta River and its banks,” he said. Following the raid, several illegal miners were arrested for interrogation.
The regional minister also announced that REGSEC would extend similar operations to other forest reserves in the region to combat illegal mining activities. “We will do everything possible to clamp down on illegal mining,” he added.
Mr. Atanga urged chiefs and community members to report illegal mining activities to help the government address the issue effectively.
He also warned that the Red Volta River was being polluted by mining activities, and if not halted, the contaminated water could eventually flow into the main Volta River, a crucial water source for many communities along its course.
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