By Authorities have arrested seventy-three illegal miners, who are popularly referred to as galamseyers. This occurred in the Tilli Forest, which spans the Bawku West and Nabdam districts in the Upper East Region.
The miners had been hiding in the forest. They were engaging in illegal mining. They were also operating in the Red Volta River, which passes through the area.
Among those arrested are two Burkinabe nationals, 27 Togolese, and 41 Ghanaians, including three children.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) carried out the arrest on the morning of March 4, 2025. It was in response to a recent appeal by the Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area, Naba Sigiri Bewong.
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The operation was led by a team of personnel from the police, military, and immigration service. It resulted in the retrieval of air compressors, drilling machines, motorbikes, and gold processing equipment.
Courtesy call
On February 20, 2025, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga paid a courtesy call after assuming office. During this visit, Naba Bewong raised concerns about illegal mining activities in the forest. He urged the minister to take decisive action.
He emphasized the need for urgent measures to prevent further destruction in the forest reserve. He warned that unchecked mining activities could have dire consequences for communities within the forest’s catchment area.
Government’s response
Speaking to the media, Mr. Atanga indicated that REGSEC had thoroughly discussed the issue after the chief raised concerns. They decided to visit the scene to assess the situation firsthand.
“Upon reaching there, we saw many people. Children were also included. Many were 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 further announced that REGSEC would extend similar operations to other forest reserves. This initiative aims to rid them of illegal mining activities. “As REGSEC, we will do everything possible to clamp down on illegal mining,” he added.
Call for public support
Mr. Atanga urged chiefs and community members to freely give information about illegal mining activities. This will help the government solve the problem effectively.
“Gradually, the colour of the Red Volta River is changing. It is important that illegal mining activities in the river are halted. This will prevent further destruction,” the regional minister stated.
He warned that action must be taken. Otherwise, the polluted water will eventually flow into the main Volta River. This river is a major source of drinking water for many communities along its course.
