A community-based organisation in the Bono East Region has raised alarm over escalating illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the Black Volta River in the Kintampo North Municipality, warning of serious environmental and public health risks.
The Tarbang Development Association (TaDA), based in Ntraban, said the situation has worsened in recent months, with illegal mining spreading across several communities between Bamboi and Buipe. Affected areas include Gwere, Kandige, Busuama, Yara, Tefoboi and Bewele, with new sites reportedly emerging in Ntraban and Tefoboi as recently as December 2025.
According to the group, the activities—carried out largely by miners from nearby districts—are contaminating the Black Volta, a major source of fish supplied to markets in Kintampo, Techiman, Ejura, Mampong, Tamale and beyond. The association warned that pollution upstream could have widespread health implications for consumers across the country.
TaDA noted that although the Kintampo North Municipal Security Council recently arrested some illegal miners in Busuama, the operators returned within days and resumed work.
Efforts by the association, including engagements with traditional leaders and petitions by other youth groups to local authorities and the Bono East Regional Minister, have so far yielded little response.
The group expressed disappointment in what it described as inaction by local authorities, including the Municipal Chief Executive, assembly members and some traditional leaders, despite growing concerns over the impact of galamsey.
TaDA is now calling for urgent intervention from the government and key stakeholders, including the deployment of security forces to halt the activities, stricter accountability for local authorities, and sanctions against chiefs who permit illegal mining in their communities.
The association also urged authorities to target financiers behind the operations and to establish community monitoring systems to protect the river.
It stressed that swift and decisive action is needed to prevent further degradation of the Black Volta and avert a potential public health crisis.
