Forestry Commission arrests 12 illegal miners in Atewa Forest
A dawn operation by the Forestry Commission has disrupted an illegal mining operation inside the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, with 12 suspected illegal miners arrested and mining equipment seized. The Commission’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU) carried out the operation on September 4, 2026, around the Sagyimase community in Compartments 61 and 62 of the reserve […]
On September 4, 2026, the Forestry Commission carried out a dawn operation targeting an illegal mining site within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) apprehended 12 suspected illegal miners and seized a significant amount of mining equipment. The operation, involving 17 personnel from various Forest Districts, took place around the Sagyimase community in Compartments 61 and 62 of the reserve.
The arrested suspects, along with two motorbikes and other exhibits, were handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command. The remaining motorbikes were kept at the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division for safekeeping. Forestry Commission officials emphasized that the operation was aimed at deterring illegal miners from entering protected forest reserves, particularly the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, which is crucial for biodiversity and water security.
The Atewa Range serves as the source of the Birim, Densu, and Ayensu rivers, providing water to millions, including those in and around Accra.
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