The Prefect of the Gontougo region and Bondoukou department, Kouadio Gbongbo André, has initiated a six-month campaign to eliminate illegal gold mining in the area. On October 5, 2026, he urged the local population, administrative authorities, and defense and security forces to join efforts to combat this phenomenon, which is detrimental to the economy and environment. The prefect emphasized the need for collective action to address this issue.
Kouadio Gbongbo André made the call during a ceremony at the Bondoukou prefecture, where he highlighted the importance of collaboration in eradicating illegal gold mining. He stressed that this activity poses a significant threat to the economy, environment, and public health. The prefect cited the destruction of soil and risks associated with the use of chemical products in clandestine mining sites as major concerns.
The prefect's campaign is part of a national mission assigned by the Head of State through the National Security Council (CNS), in collaboration with defense and security forces. Kouadio Gbongbo André requested the vigilance of local populations, particularly in villages, to report any suspicious activities or equipment that may be used for illegal gold mining. He encouraged them to inform authorities of any movements or storage of machines and apparatus for this purpose.
The prefect emphasized that the fight against illegal gold mining requires collective mobilization, involving not only security forces and administration but also local populations. He urged everyone to contribute to the eradication of this phenomenon, according to their level of responsibility, to preserve natural resources and protect the population. This initiative follows reinforced actions by administrative authorities in Gontougo against clandestine gold mining.
Kouadio Gbongbo André denounced the negative impacts of illegal gold mining, including environmental degradation and health risks. He called on local populations to report any suspicious movements in their areas, stressing that this is a collective responsibility. The prefect's campaign aims to address these issues and promote sustainable practices in the region.
The six-month deadline for eradicating illegal gold mining in Bondoukou has been set by the authorities, and the prefect has urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal. The campaign involves collaboration between administrative authorities, defense and security forces, and local populations. Kouadio Gbongbo André's initiative seeks to promote a coordinated approach to addressing this complex issue.
The authorities in Côte d'Ivoire have been working to combat illegal gold mining, which poses significant economic, environmental, and health risks. The prefect's campaign in Bondoukou is part of a broader national effort to address this issue. The success of this initiative will depend on the level of collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders involved.
Key points
- The prefect of Bondoukou has launched a six-month campaign to eradicate illegal gold mining in the area, calling for collective action from authorities, security forces, and local populations.
- The campaign aims to address the negative impacts of illegal gold mining, including environmental degradation and health risks.
- The authorities have set a six-month deadline for eradicating illegal gold mining in Bondoukou, and the prefect has urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal.
