Illegal miners, sand winners, and herdsmen are wreaking havoc in the Red Volta East and West Forest Reserves in the Nabdam and Bawku West Districts of the Upper East Region, destroying forest cover and polluting the Red Volta River.
Reports monitored by News Volta from an Upper East–based radio station reveal that the once-protected forest reserves have come under intense pressure as these activities continue unchecked, endangering wildlife and damaging the ecosystem.
The Forestry Commission says its ability to curb the situation is limited due to inadequate logistics and personnel, allowing illegal operators to act with impunity.
Deputy Upper East Regional Forestry Manager, Mark Adu Gamfi, disclosed that 19 suspects have been arrested for engaging in environmental crimes and are assisting police investigations.
He cautioned that the destruction could trigger serious biodiversity loss and escalate human–wildlife conflicts, especially as elephants lose their natural habitats and move into nearby farmlands.
The Red Volta Reserves form part of a crucial ecological corridor linking Ghana and Burkina Faso, supporting herds of savanna elephants and diverse species. However, continuous illegal mining, grazing, and sand winning now pose a grave threat to this vital conservation area.
Source Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako ll News Volta
