A joint security taskforce has launched regular patrols along the Black Volta River in Wechiau, Wa West District, Upper West Region, to combat illegal mining activities within the protected Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary. The initiative aims to safeguard the sanctuary’s environment and wildlife from further degradation, ensuring the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
The taskforce comprises personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Ghana Armed Forces, working together to address the escalating issue of illegal mining. The operation follows an exclusive highlighting the severe impact of illegal mining on the sanctuary and its surroundings.
The Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, renowned for its hippopotamus population and diverse wildlife, faces significant threats from illegal mining activities. These activities not only disrupt the ecological balance but also jeopardize the livelihoods of communities reliant on eco-tourism.
The sanctuary’s natural resources, including water sources and vegetation, are being destroyed, posing a long-term threat to the environment. The joint taskforce patrols will deter illegal miners, protect the sanctuary’s resources, and ensure the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
Authorities have responded swiftly to the issue, recognizing the importance of safeguarding the sanctuary and its surroundings. The patrols will continue to monitor the area, ensuring the protection of the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary and its inhabitants from the harmful effects of illegal mining.
