The Bono Region, one of Ghana’s key food-producing areas, is under mounting threat from illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. Once-thriving farmlands, dense forest reserves, and vital vegetative cover are being destroyed at alarming rates, while rivers and streams—lifelines for communities- are now contaminated with mercury, cyanide, and other harmful chemicals.
Health experts warn that consuming such polluted water exposes residents to skin ailments, rashes, and gastrointestinal disorders, among other serious illnesses.
Banda District at Risk
The Banda District is among the hardest hit, with illegal mining threatening both the local ecosystem and the Bui hydroelectric dam through sedimentation. The district’s role as a major cashew production hub is also under siege, as miners encroach upon and destroy farmlands, jeopardising the livelihoods of countless farming households.
Firm Action from the RCC
Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa has intensified anti-galamsey efforts, launching a high-profile operation on 4 August 2025 in Banda’s notorious “Operator” mining settlement. Acting under his directive, a joint police-military task force dismantled the settlement in the early hours, arresting 31 illegal miners and destroying over 150 makeshift structures.
Authorities also seized or destroyed 11 excavators, 16 motorbikes, 10 tricycles, several “changfang” machines, and gallons of fuel. More than 1,000 settlers were displaced in the operation, which Mr Akwaboa stressed was conducted without political bias.
“We are committed to supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s government in ending galamsey,” he stated, vowing to extend similar operations to other hotspots.
Displaced Voices
While many welcomed the crackdown, displaced residents voiced concerns over lost homes and livelihoods. “I feel sad because I migrated from Techiman five years ago to find something to support my family,” said Madam Abiba, a drinking spot operator. “What we expect from the government now is job opportunities so we can start a new life.”
Alhaji, a shop owner whose business was destroyed, expressed uncertainty about the future. “It’s not just about leaving here, it’s about how to survive afterwards,” he lamented.
Next Steps
The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) will submit a report to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, seeking guidance for land reclamation and vegetation restoration. Mr Akwaboa stressed that reclaiming degraded lands will be essential for reviving agricultural productivity and sustaining livelihoods.
The Bigger Picture
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most urgent environmental and socio-economic threats. In the Bono Region, the stakes are high due to its role in national food production, forestry conservation, and hydropower generation. Experts stress that enforcement must be consistent and impartial, paired with alternative livelihood programmes to prevent miners from returning to the trade.
The Banda crackdown marks a decisive show of political will, one that, if maintained and replicated, could significantly weaken galamsey’s grip on the region.
