Five person, including the Assemblyman, Mohammed Bawa, of the Banda Nkwanta electoral area, have already been arrested for illegal mining operations at the Bui National park, posing a threat to the Bui Dam. Reports say in recent times, illegal miners have suddenly surfaced and begun digging pits at the National Park. However, Park Manager, Samuel Darko Akonnor said authorities are closely monitoring and will continue to clamp down on any illegal mining activities. According to him, there has been an “incessant pressure” on the authorities of the National Park due to the galamsey activities. He explains that the illegal miners "dig a portion of the park and collect the gravels and sand and quickly get away in their pick ups". But he said they are doing everything in their power to prevent the illegal activities from coming close to the dam.