A joint security operation has led to the arrest of 73 illegal miners in the Tilli Forest, spanning the Bawku West and Nabdam districts of the Upper East Region.
Among those arrested were two Burkinabé nationals, 27 Togolese, and 41 Ghanaians, including three children. Security forces also seized mining equipment such as air compressors, drilling machines, and motorbikes.
The raid was conducted following a request by the Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area, Naba Sigiri Bewong, who raised concerns about the destruction of the forest and the pollution of the Red Volta River.
Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga assured that further operations would be carried out to eliminate illegal mining activities in other forest reserves. He also urged chiefs and residents to report illegal miners to help protect the environment.
