The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) says it is taking urgent steps to address reports of illegal mining and encroachment within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.
In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, NAiMOS said it had taken note of recent public and media reports concerning illegal mining activities in the forest reserve, as well as concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana and other civil society groups.
The concerns were raised during a joint press conference held on Monday, September 14, 2026, on the state of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.
NAiMOS said the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas remained critical to the national fight against illegal mining.
According to the Secretariat, all reports concerning activities in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve are receiving the necessary and urgent attention.
The Secretariat said it had already conducted reconnaissance operations within the Atewa enclave and was currently collaborating with relevant security and state agencies to undertake further interventions.
NAiMOS said the next phase of operations would be guided by verified intelligence and additional operational assessments to ensure that the intervention achieves maximum results.
It assured the public that concerns surrounding the Atewa Range Forest Reserve would not be ignored.
The Secretariat reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing illegal mining activities from undermining critical forest reserves, water bodies and communities that depend on them.
NAiMOS also commended civil society organisations, traditional authorities, local communities and members of the public for their vigilance.
It encouraged the continued provision of credible information to support the national effort against illegal mining.
