A joint military and police operation has led to the arrest of 66 illegal miners in the Tilli forest of the Upper East Region.Among those arrested are two Burkinabes, 26 Togolese, and 38 Ghanaians.The raid, conducted on Tuesday, March 4, 2024, aimed to halt illegal mining activities threatening the forest’s ecosystem.

The Tilli forest, one of the largest reserves in the region, is home to diverse wildlife species, including elephants, whose survival depends on the forest's ecosystem.

However, illegal mining has significantly deteriorated the landscape, posing a severe threat to both the environment and biodiversity.Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, revealed that the operation was prompted by concerns raised by the paramount chief of Sakote, who urged authorities to take action against the growing menace.