Dabou prefect calls for collective action against illegal gold mining
Prefect Michèle Hortense Amani Loboué urged community leaders and residents to join the fight against illegal gold mining.
Dabou prefect Michèle Hortense Amani Loboué called for collective action to combat illegal gold mining in the department on October 22, 2026. The prefect stated that the illegal activity is causing significant water pollution, forest destruction, and land degradation. This illegal mining also disrupts local economies, threatens social cohesion, and results in lost state revenue.
Mme Amani Loboué emphasized that prefectural authorities and security forces alone cannot win the fight against illegal gold mining. She specifically requested the engagement of village chiefs, community leaders, landowners, officials, guides, youth, and women. The prefect encouraged sub-prefects of Dabou, Lopou, and Toupah to continue awareness campaigns in their areas.
Discussions during the meeting covered the legal framework for artisanal mining, environmental impacts, and ways to strengthen trust between security forces and the public. While Dabou has no reported cases of illegal gold mining, the department of Grand Lahou does. The prefect urged constant vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities to authorities to preserve the department and ensure sustainable development.
Why it mattersIllegal gold mining is causing environmental damage and economic disruption in the Dabou department.