The Upper West Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted a large cache of chemical substances suspected to be sodium cyanide along the banks of the Black Volta River.

A total of 250 drums containing the suspected chemicals were discovered at Zikpiri, where they had been stockpiled near the river and were reportedly ready to be transported to neighbouring Burkina Faso.

The consignment was uncovered by a team of GIS officers from the Nadowli District Command during a patrol operation along unapproved border routes in the area.

Press release

In a statement issued by the Regional Public Affairs Unit of the GIS, the drums have since been moved to the Nadowli Police Station for safekeeping and further examination by the appropriate authorities.

The statement added that the Command has activated its intelligence network to identify and apprehend those behind the illicit operation.

The interception reportedly took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m.

The statement also noted that since taking office, the Upper West Regional Commander of GIS, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Justice Bosomtwi-Ayensu, has instituted a 24-hour manning system at all known unapproved border routes in the region, alongside routine patrols to combat cross-border criminal activities.

Warning

The GIS has issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in illegal cross-border dealings, stressing that it remains committed to cracking down on such activities.

“We caution the general public to desist from any form of cross-border crime. The few recalcitrant persons whose livelihood depends on illegal activities along our territorial borders must either stop or be stopped. There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’,” the statement warned.