Community watch committee arrests three illegal miners at Jema

On October 2, 2026, three individuals suspected of illegal mining activities were apprehended by the Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocacy Watch Committee, commonly known as JAGA, at the Jema locality in the Western Region's Aowin area. The trio was observed entering the Tano-Boin Forest Reserve and conducting mining operations along the Tano River.

Their arrest occurred when JAGA members identified them for suspected activities within the protected forest reserve. The suspects were found with a water-pumping machine and a changfang mining raft. One suspect attempted to flee but was caught by the watch committee. The Forestry Commission was promptly informed of the arrest, which facilitated the suspects' transportation to Enchi and covered related expenses.

JAGA expressed gratitude to the Forestry Commission for its swift response and cooperation, emphasizing the need for continued support to ensure the suspects face legal consequences. The suspects were transferred to the District Police Command at Enchi and subsequently handed over to the Police at the Jema Police Station, where they remain in custody under court remand.

This incident underscores the collaborative efforts between community-based groups and state institutions in combating illegal mining and safeguarding Ghana's forests. Despite a previous case involving two Nigerien nationals arrested in 2025 and granted bail, JAGA stresses the necessity of adhering to proper legal procedures in such matters.

The organization calls for a unified approach involving various stakeholders, including politicians, security agencies, the judiciary, and traditional leaders, to effectively combat illegal mining and protect Ghana's remaining forest reserves.