Illegal miners including foreigners arrested operating in Savannah Region

In response to growing concerns over environmental destruction and water pollution caused by illegal mining activities, a 15-hour operation was confirmed to arrest nine suspected illegal miners, including five foreign nationals in an operation along the Black Volta Basin in the Bamboi enclave of the Savannah Region. A joint security task force, led by the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC), executed this task.

The task force also confiscated 12 excavators, generators, and other mining equipment used by the illegal miners. The seized equipment has since been moved to the Bamboi Police Station as investigations continue.

However, some of the miners managed to escape by diving into the river upon seeing the security operatives.

In an interview, the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awurbe, expressed deep concern over the devastation caused by illegal mining in the area.

“We received reports about the destruction caused by mining activities, but seeing the situation firsthand has left me heartbroken and shocked. The miners have blocked portions of the Black Volta with sand to facilitate their illegal operations, and the damage to the environment is alarming,” he lamented.

He said all the suspects would be screened and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Mr Be-Awurbe reiterated the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining activities in the enclave, stating that more operations would be conducted in the coming days to curb the menace.

Illegal mining activities have become increasingly notorious along the Black Volta, posing serious threats to water bodies, biodiversity, and critical infrastructure such as the Bui Power Generation Dam and the Akosombo Power Generation Dam downstream.

The Black Volta originates from Burkina Faso and flows north and east for about 200 miles (320 km) before turning south for 340 miles (550 km), forming the border between Ghana and Burkina Faso, as well as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

At the Bamboi enclave in the Savannah Region, the Black Volta turns north and east, flowing approximately 80 miles (130 km) eastward before emptying into Lake Volta.