The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission has arrested twelve persons for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, inside the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

The joint covert operation was carried out at dawn on Thursday, September 4, 2026, around the Sagyimase community in Compartments 61 and 62 of the Atewa Forest Reserve, within the Kyebi Forest District.

According to the Joint Operation Report, a total of 17 personnel drawn from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts were deployed at about 1:30 a.m. to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the reserve.

Upon reaching the site, the team encountered a group of illegal miners actively engaged in mining. Twelve suspects were apprehended, while others managed to escape into the adjoining bush.

The suspects arrested are 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; and Isaac Ababio, 20, all from Adukrom; and Abass Osuman, 32, from Tamale.

Items retrieved from the illegal mining site included five motorbikes – three Royal motorbikes, one Apsonic Aloba and one Apsonic Paul Sport – as well as eleven shovels, water hoses, blankets used for washing gold and three gallons of petrol.

The Forestry Commission said the twelve suspects, together with two of the motorbikes and 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 (FSD) for safekeeping.

The Commission described the operation as successfully executed without any casualties. It said the arrests and seizure of the equipment would serve as a deterrent to persons who continue to invade forest reserves for illegal mining.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is one of Ghana’s most important biodiversity hotspots and a critical watershed. It serves as the headwaters of three major rivers – the Birim, Densu and Ayensu – which provide drinking water for millions of Ghanaians, including residents of Accra and surrounding communities.

The reserve has come under intense pressure in recent years from illegal mining and logging activities, threatening the country’s water security.

The Forestry Commission has vowed to sustain its operations against illegal miners who continue to invade forest reserves.



#TrendingGH: 'Revisit the case' - Netizens react to controversial court ruling