A joint military and police operation has led to the arrest of 66 illegal miners in the Tilli forest in the Upper East Region.
The March 4, 2024 operation aimed to halt illegal mining activities that have been deteriorating the forest ecosystem.
Among the arrested individuals were two Burkinabes, 26 Togolese, and 38 Ghanaians.
The Tilli forest, one of the largest reserves in the region, is home to wildlife species like elephants, which are threatened by ongoing mining activities.
Following the arrests, Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga revealed that the operation was prompted by a request from the Paramount Chief of Sakote, who urged authorities to curb the destruction in the area.
The crackdown is part of broader efforts to protect the environment and preserve the region’s biodiversity from illegal mining operations.
Authorities have assured the public that further measures will be taken to prevent a resurgence of illegal activities in the forest.
