Upper East Regional Minister Leads Operation on Illegal Mining Sites, 73 Arrested

Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, led a joint security operation on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The operation targeted illegal mining activities. These activities were occurring in the Tilli Forest Reserve, which straddles the Nabdam and Bawku West Districts.

The operation resulted in 73 arrests, including infants. Authorities seized mining equipment. This action was taken following complaints of foreign encroachment into the protected area.

The operation was conducted by a team of police, military, and immigration officers. They uncovered air compressors, drilling machines, and motorbikes. They also found gold-processing equipment and personal belongings at multiple sites. Among those detained were 27 Togolese, two Burkinabes, and 41 Ghanaians.

Hon. Akamugri said the raid was prompted by a complaint from Naba Sigri Bewong, chief of Sakoti in the Nabdam District. He reported foreign miners invading the reserve during a meeting with the minister on February 20, 2025.

“Based on that, we had a (Regional Security Council) REGSEC meeting, and we thought that it was important for us to follow up to ascertain for us what the paramount chief said, whether it is true or false,” Hon. Akamugri said. “We have seen that there is some mining in the river itself. Some people are actively doing mining in the river.”

Miners operated directly in the Red Volta River and along its banks, and campsites, domestic activities, and underground mining caused significant tree loss in the reserve.
The regional minister said the illegal operations have damaged the environment of the Red Volta, which connects to the White Volta.

“Forest reserves are not places for anyone to trade any economic activity except for the purpose for which they were reserved. So, illegal mining is unacceptable. Any mining is not accepted,” said the Hon. Akamugri, emphasizing Ghana’s prohibition on mining in protected forests.