Black Volta under threat as video captures illegal mining at river banks

A video has emerged online showing what appears to be illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey, being carried out on the Black Volta River using Changfan equipment.

In the footage, shared on social media by Ask Ghana Media on June 8, 2026, illegal miners are seen operating in broad daylight along the riverbank, raising concerns about the continued pollution and destruction of the water body.

The text accompanying the post read, “This is Changfan equipment being used for galamsey activities on the Black Volta. They are polluting our clean water. Have the authorities stopped pursuing illegal miners?”

Despite sustained government interventions and anti-galamsey campaigns, illegal mining continues to wreak havoc on rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves across the country.

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The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and other security agencies have in recent years led operations to combat illegal mining.

Environmental activists warn that continued pollution of major water bodies like the Black Volta threatens drinking water supply, aquatic life, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the river.

See the video below :

“This is Changfan equipment being used for galamsey activities on the Black Volta. They are polluting our clean water. Have the authorities stopped pursuing illegal miners?”

— A concerned Ghanaian man shares a video showing illegal miners operating Changfan equipment in broad… pic.twitter.com/6HNP53fioh

— 𝐀𝐒𝐊 (@askghmedia) June 8, 2026