The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission has arrested 12 suspected illegal miners in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve as authorities intensify efforts to combat galamsey and illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
The arrests followed a joint covert operation conducted at dawn on Thursday, September 4, 2026, around the Sagyimase community in Compartments 61 and 62 of the Atewa Forest Reserve, within the Kyebi Forest District.
According to the Joint Operation Report, 17 personnel from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts were deployed at about 1:30 a.m. to stop illegal mining activities taking place inside the protected forest reserve.
When the team arrived at the mining site, they found a group of suspected illegal miners actively operating. Twelve suspects were apprehended, while several others managed to escape into nearby bushes.
The suspects arrested were identified as Pagase Lord, 18; Kwabena Joe, 25; Zinivi Kofi, 22; Michael Owusu, 21; Narh Joseph, 24; Sanoma Emmanuel, 21; Abugart Daniel, 18; Apam Kwesi, 32; Affum Gideon, 25; Adu Richmond, 21; Isaac Ababio, 20; and Abass Osuman, 32.
Mining Equipment Seized
The Forestry Commission operation also resulted in the seizure of equipment allegedly used for illegal mining activities, including five motorbikes, 11 shovels, water hoses, blankets used for washing gold and three gallons of petrol.
The seized motorbikes comprised three Royal motorbikes, one Apsonic Aloba and one Apsonic Paul Sport.
The 12 suspects, along with two of the motorbikes and other exhibits, have been handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The remaining three motorbikes have been kept at the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division for safekeeping.
Forestry Commission Steps Up Galamsey Fight
The Forestry Commission described the operation as successful and confirmed that no casualties were recorded. The Commission said the arrests and seizure of mining equipment would help deter individuals who continue to enter protected forest reserves to engage in illegal mining and galamsey.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Forestry Commission to protect Ghana’s forest reserves from activities that threaten the environment, biodiversity and natural resources.
Atewa Forest Reserve Critical to Ghana’s Water Security
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is one of Ghana’s most important biodiversity hotspots and plays a crucial role in the country’s environmental protection and water security.
The forest serves as the headwaters of the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers, which provide water to millions of people, including residents of Accra and surrounding communities.
However, increasing illegal mining and illegal logging activities have placed significant pressure on the reserve, raising concerns about Ghana’s water security, environmental sustainability and forest conservation.
The Forestry Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement operations against illegal miners and protecting Ghana’s forest reserves from further encroachment.
Source: newsthemegh.com