Four Arrested, Machinery Seized on Black Volta
Kintampo North’s Municipal Chief Executive led a joint military-police operation, arresting four individuals for illegal mining (galamsey) along the Black Volta River. The intelligence-led raid targeted polluters, seizing significant machinery used in the illicit activities threatening the river’s ecosystem.
The MCE, addressing the media, vowed to make galamsey “a lion’s den,” ensuring it becomes unprofitable. Additional equipment found along the river will be destroyed to deter future violations. The Black Volta, vital for 200,000 residents, faces severe pollution from mercury and cyanide.
The arrested individuals, held in custody, await arraignment. The operation follows a 2024 Environmental Protection Agency report noting 60% of Ghana’s water bodies, including the Black Volta, are contaminated by galamsey, prompting intensified crackdowns with 1,500 arrests in 2025.
The MCE’s commitment aligns with national efforts under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to curb environmental degradation. The seized equipment, valued at over GH¢500,000, underscores the scale of illegal operations in Kintampo North, a known galamsey hotspot.
Local communities have praised the raid, though some fear reprisals from mining syndicates. The case, under police investigation, aims to set a precedent, with the MCE urging residents to report galamsey activities to protect the region’s water resources.