Police in the Upper West Region have arrested seven individuals and confiscated a number of mining equipment in a targeted operation against illegal mining activities along the Black Volta River.
The raid, which took place on Thursday 10 April 2025 at Chiantanga – a community near Dorimon in the Wa West District – forms part of intensified efforts to curb illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, in the region.
According to a police statement signed by the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Nii Danto Offei Lomotey, the suspects are Sabugu Razak, Ibrahim Zuberu, Alex Amedzake, John Cobblah, Promise Dufe, Angelina Akpese, and Rebecca Tumawu.
During the swoop, officers seized ten Changfang machines typically used for illegal alluvial gold mining.
Also impounded were two unregistered PNE and Apsonic tricycles, a motorbike with registration numbers M-24-NR 6010 and M-23-UW 4413, as well as two unregistered Haojue and Apsonic motorbikes.
Police also recovered six student mattresses from the site, raising suspicions that the suspects may have been living and operating from the area.
The suspects are currently in custody and assisting with investigations. Police say they will be processed for court in the coming days.
“The Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to cracking down on illegal mining activities in the region,” the statement read.
The Black Volta River serves as a vital water source for surrounding communities. In recent years, there has been growing concern over the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, which poses a serious threat to water quality, biodiversity, and livelihoods in the area.
Report by Alhassan Tajudeen for Asaase News in the Upper West Region
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