7 suspected illegal miners arraigned over Black Volta pollution in Wa West

Seven individuals accused of engaging in illegal mining along the Black Volta River in the Wa West District have been arraigned before the Wa District Court to assist with ongoing investigations.

The suspects—five males and two females—were apprehended during a targeted operation by the Upper West Regional Police Command on Thursday, 10 April 2025, in the Chiantanga community near Dorimon.

Principal State Attorney for the Upper West Region, Mr Saeed Abdul Shakur, confirmed the court appearance, which took place on Sunday, 13 April.

“I arraigned seven persons—five males and two females—before the district court for lawful custody to aid the police in their ongoing investigations,” he noted.

The accused have been identified as Sabugu Razak, Ibrahim Zuberu, Alex Amedzake, John Cobblah, Promise Dufe, Angelina Akpese, and Rebecca Tumawu.

In the course of the raid, police also seized a range of equipment and vehicles believed to have been used for illegal mining activities.

These include ten Changfang mining machines, two unregistered PNE and Apsonic tricycles, four motorbikes—two of which were unregistered—and six student mattresses, suggesting that the suspects may have been residing at the site.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have indicated that, upon the conclusion of inquiries, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

This operation forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining in the region, particularly those endangering vital water bodies such as the Black Volta.

Communities along the Black Volta have for months expressed concern over increasing pollution and encroachment linked to illegal mining.

The Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental preservation and the protection of public health, vowing to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining in the area.

Read More