The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission has arrested 12 persons for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, inside the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.
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 reserve, within the Kyebi Forest District.
According to the Joint Operation Report, 17 personnel drawn from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts were deployed at about 1:30am to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the protected forest.
Upon reaching the operational area, the team encountered a group of miners actively undertaking illegal mining activities.
Twelve suspects were apprehended, while several others managed to escape into the adjoining bush.
The suspects include Pagase Lord, 18, from Paga; Kwabena Joe, 25, from Binprugu; Zinivi Kofi, 22, from Wa; Michael Owusu, 21, from Dambai; Narh Joseph, 24, from Asamankese; Sanoma Emmanuel, 21, from Dormaa Ahenkro; Abugart Daniel, 18, from Garu; Apam Kwesi, 32, from Binduri; Affum Gideon, 25; Adu Richmond, 21; Isaac Ababio, 20, all from Adukrom; and Abass Osuman, 32, from Tamale.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of five motorbikes, comprising three Royal motorbikes, one Apsonic Aloba and one Apsonic Paul Sport.
Other items seized included 11 shovels, water hoses, blankets reportedly used for washing gold and three gallons of petrol.
The Forestry Commission said the 12 suspects, along with two of the seized motorbikes and the other exhibits, have been handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The remaining three motorbikes have been retained at the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division for safekeeping.
The Commission described the operation as successful and said it was conducted without casualties. It added that the arrests and seizure of mining equipment would serve as a deterrent to individuals who continue to enter protected forest reserves for illegal mining.
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is recognised as one of Ghana’s important biodiversity hotspots and plays a critical role in the country’s water security.
The forest serves as the headwaters of the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers, which provide water for millions of people, including residents of Accra and surrounding communities.
However, the reserve has faced increasing pressure from illegal mining and logging, raising concerns about the destruction of biodiversity and the potential impact on critical water sources.
The Forestry Commission has consequently reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against illegal miners and other activities threatening the integrity of Ghana’s forest reserves.
