Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga has led a joint security operation in the Tilli Forest Reserve on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 73 individuals, including infants, and the seizure of various mining equipment.
The raid was prompted by a complaint from Naba Sigri Bewong, chief of Sakoti in the Nabdam District, who reported foreign miners invading the reserve. Mr. Akamugri confirmed that the operation uncovered evidence of illegal mining activities, including air compressors, drilling machines, motorbikes, gold-processing equipment, and personal belongings at multiple sites.
“Based on that, we held a Regional Security Council (REGSEC) meeting and decided it was important to follow up to verify whether the paramount chief’s concerns were true or false,” he stated. “We have seen that mining is taking place in the river itself, and some people are actively engaged in it.”
Among those detained were 27 Togolese, two Burkinabes, and 41 Ghanaians. The minister emphasized that illegal mining is unacceptable in protected forests, citing Ghana’s prohibition on mining in such areas.
The operation also revealed significant environmental damage to the Red Volta River and its banks, with miners operating directly in the river. The regional minister stressed that forest reserves are meant for conservation and not economic activities.
“Forest reserves are not places for economic activities except for their intended purpose. Illegal mining is unacceptable. No form of mining is permitted in these areas,” he said.
This operation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the environment.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | David Azure, Bolgatanga
