A joint military and police operation has led to the arrest of 66 illegal miners in the Tilli Forest Reserve, Upper East Region, as part of efforts to curb environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, March 4, 2024, targeted miners who have been degrading the forest ecosystem. Among those apprehended were 38 Ghanaians, 26 Togolese, and two Burkinabes, highlighting the cross-border nature of illegal mining in the region.
The Tilli Forest, one of the largest reserves in the Upper East Region, is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and other species that depend on its ecosystem for survival. However, ongoing illegal mining has severely impacted the area, threatening both biodiversity and local water sources.
Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga revealed that the operation was initiated following an appeal from the Paramount Chief of Sakote, who raised concerns over the escalating destruction of the forest.
“This intervention was necessary to protect the forest and its wildlife from further damage. We cannot allow illegal mining to continue destroying our natural resources,” the minister stated.
The arrests mark a significant step in the fight against illegal mining, with authorities vowing to intensify enforcement efforts to restore and protect Ghana’s natural reserves.
