The Western Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Nana Kwabena Poku Bosompim, has stated that the illegal mining menace, popularly referred to as galamsey, has turned Ghana into a safe haven for human trafficking.
According to him, if illegal mining is not brought under control, it will continue to attract more people into the country, promoting other illicit activities. "In fact, it appears, and it's becoming clear to us, that the illegal mining menace in Ghana is making our country a probable safe haven for human trafficking of women and young girls," he stated.
In a JoyNews video posted on X, he revealed that the Subri River Forest Reserve in the Western Region, which was raided by an anti-illegal mining task force on April 15, 2025, uncovered a sprawling community of about 10,000 residents.
These included nationals from nearly every country in the West African sub-region.
