The Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area, Naaba Sigiri Bewong, has raised concerns over illegal mining activities taking place in the Tilli Forest, particularly along the Red Volta River. In a recent interview on A1 Radio, Naaba Bewong expressed alarm over reports of foreign nationals engaging in illegal mining after the arrest of 73 individuals in the Tilli Forest. The operation, led by Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri, followed an earlier warning issued by the chief.
According to Naaba Bewong, he received reports about a month ago detailing the activities of foreigners using heavy machinery to mine in the Red Volta, which involved cutting down trees and damaging the forest ecosystem. In response, he dispatched a team to investigate the situation, and upon confirming the mining activities, he promptly informed relevant authorities, including the Regional Minister.
He noted that the Regional Minister took swift action by bringing officials from the Minerals Commission to the site, leading to the arrest of individuals involved in the illegal activities. Among those detained were some cattle herders, who would reportedly be dealt with separately. “When they went there, whoever they saw was arrested, but some of them were cattle herdsmen, so they will be sorted out,” he explained.
Naaba Bewong reiterated his stance against illegal mining, stressing that it must be stopped to protect the environment. He highlighted the critical importance of the forest, emphasizing that its preservation is essential for both the region and the nation as a whole. He also warned that unchecked mining activities could have dire long-term consequences, including the pollution of water sources. If this trend continues, he cautioned, Ghana may eventually face a water crisis, as polluted rivers could become undrinkable and impossible for the Ghana Water Company to treat.
The chief expressed his commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in tackling these environmental threats, stating that without immediate action, the future of the country’s water resources could be at risk. He called for collective action to ensure the preservation of Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
“We are here to support the government, headed by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to reset Ghana. If we don’t act now, we should forget about the future. A time will come when we will have to import water into this country because all the rivers will be polluted, and the Ghana Water Company will not be able to treat water for us to drink,” he warned.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
