Investigative Desk Report
A major environmental and public health crisis is unfolding in the Krachi East District of the Oti Region, where illegal sand and stone mining activities in River Asukorkor are raising alarm among residents and local authorities.
At the centre of the controversy is a powerful local figure alleged to be a top operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), widely known in the area as “Malam,” who, together with his father, Mahama Yaro, is accused of deploying heavy machinery to excavate the riverbed for sand and precious stones.
River Asukokor, a critical water source that originates from northern Togo and flows into Ghana before joining the Volta River, has long been revered for its exceptional clarity and purity.
Residents describe it as one of the cleanest rivers in the region—so transparent that fish can be seen swimming even at night.
Today, that pristine image is rapidly fading.
Heavy excavators and dozens of tipper trucks have reportedly descended on the river at Apiso, a small village between Katanga and Asukokor, churning up the riverbed and turning its once-clear waters into a murky brown.
Sources indicate that initial attempts by the alleged operators to mine in Katanga were fiercely resisted by chiefs and residents, who feared the environmental consequences.
“They were driven out,” a local source said. “But instead of stopping, they simply relocated.”
Subsequent resistance in Asukokor township also failed to halt the operation, forcing the group to shift base to Apiso where they are alleged to have secured the cooperation of local traditional authority under questionable circumstances.
