Seventy-three individuals engaging in illegal mining, commonly known as galamseyers, have been apprehended in Tilli Forest, which spans the Bawku West and Nabdam districts in the Upper East Region.
These miners had taken refuge in the forest while conducting their illicit activities, including mining along the bank of the Red Volta that flows into the area.
The suspects include two nationals from Burkina Faso, 27 from Togo, and 41 Ghanaians, among whom are three children.
This operation took place on the morning of March 4, 2025, and was led by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in direct response to concerns raised by Naba Sigiri Bewong, the Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area.
The coordinated effort, involving police, military, and immigration personnel, resulted in the recovery of various equipment, such as air compressors, drilling machines, motorbikes, and tools for gold processing.
During a visit on February 20, 2025, by Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Naba Bewong highlighted the pressing issue of illegal mining in the forest and called for immediate action.
He said protecting the forest reserve was crucial to prevent further degradation, emphasizing that unchecked mining could severely impact local communities.
In a media briefing, Mr. Atanga explained that REGSEC had taken the chief’s concerns seriously and decided to inspect the area to understand the gravity of the situation.
“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, some illegal miners have been arrested for interrogation.”
He also announced that REGSEC plans to conduct similar operations in other forest reserves across the region to eliminate illegal mining.
“As REGSEC, we will do everything possible to clamp down on illegal mining,” he added.
Furthermore, Mr. Atanga encouraged local leaders and community members to share any information regarding illegal mining activities, which will aid the government in effectively tackling this issue.
“Gradually, the colour of the Red Volta River is changing, and it is important that illegal mining activities in the river are halted to prevent further destruction,” the regional minister remarked.
He cautioned that failing to act could lead to polluted water entering the main Volta River, a crucial drinking water source for many communities along its path.
This comes two weeks after the National Security operatives arrested three Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian for allegedly undertaking illegal mining (galamsey) along the Pra River near Supom-Dunkwa in the Shama District of the Western Region.
The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, but they were reportedly operating under the guise of sand-winning.
They have since been transferred to the Western Regional Police Command in Sekondi for further investigation.
Leading the operation, National Security operative Hashem Tankonu explained that those involved in illegal mining often use sand-winning as a facade for their activities.
“Behind the house at the corner, there is a galamsey set up there that you see that they are doing galamsey, but if you are not smart, you will be fooled by that facade of sand winning.
“But then in actual terms, they are doing the sand winning, and they are doing the galamsey alongside the sand winning, and you will not suspect it,” he stated.