Forestry Commission arrests 12 illegal miners in Atewa Forest

The Forestry Commission's Rapid Response Unit (RRU) has apprehended 12 individuals allegedly engaged in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in Ghana's Eastern Region. This covert operation took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, around 1:30 a.m. in Sagyimase community, encompassing Compartments 61 and 62 of the reserve, located in the Kyebi Forest District.

A team of 17 personnel from Assin Fosu, Akim Oda, and Juaso Forest Districts conducted the operation, which resulted in the arrest of the 12 suspects while others evaded capture by hiding in the surrounding bush. The team also seized five motorbikes, including three Royal models, one Apsonic Aloba, and one Apsonic Paul Sport, along with 11 shovels, water hoses, blankets, and three gallons of petrol.

The arrested suspects, the seized vehicles, and other evidence were handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and potential prosecution, while the remaining three motorbikes have been secured at the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division. The Forestry Commission emphasized that the operation was executed without any casualties and that the arrests, along with the seizure of equipment, serve as a deterrent to illegal mining activities within forest reserves.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and crucial role as a watershed, providing water to millions of people, including residents of Accra and nearby communities. However, the reserve has faced growing threats from illegal mining and logging, raising concerns about potential risks to Ghana's water security and biodiversity.

The Forestry Commission has pledged to continue its efforts to eradicate illegal mining and protect the forest reserves from further invasion.