A joint operation by the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Ghana Armed Forces has led to the seizure of nine excavators and a bulldozer being used for illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, located in the Enchi Forest District of the Western North Region.

The operation, conducted on Sunday, 9th March 2025, also resulted in the arrest of four individuals in Compartments 17 and 20 of the reserve.

Sustained efforts to combat illegal mining

According to a statement issued by the Enchi District of the Forest Services Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission, the crackdown follows a series of efforts to rid the reserve of illegal miners.

Prior to the latest raid, operational staff from the Enchi Forest District and the Rapid Response Team stormed the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve on Tuesday, 4th March, after receiving a tip-off. During that operation, the team successfully drove out 12 excavators used in illegal mining. However, they were unable to make arrests as they were outnumbered by armed miners.

On Thursday, March 6, intelligence reports suggested that the illegal miners were planning to return to the reserve. Acting swiftly, the team returned to the forest and prevented re-entry by the miners.

Miners return with armed resistance

Despite these efforts, illegal miners resurfaced on Saturday, 8th March, this time in greater numbers and heavily armed. Although the enforcement team attempted to arrest the perpetrators and remove the excavators, the miners refused to vacate the reserve, and the task force was once again outnumbered and unable to make arrests.

The widespread illegal mining activities were subsequently reported on social media, prompting authorities to dispatch a reinforced team, comprising the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and 30 military personnel, to secure the reserve, seize the excavators, and apprehend suspects.

Next steps in the fight against illegal mining

The statement confirmed that the seized equipment is being moved to the Enchi District Assembly premises, while a formal complaint has been lodged with the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations.

Illegal mining, commonly referred to as 'galamsey', remains a major environmental and economic threat in Ghana, leading to deforestation, water pollution, and destruction of farmlands. The latest operation underscores the government’s renewed commitment to tackling the menace and protecting the country’s natural resources.

Authorities have reiterated their determination to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts in forest reserves across the country to prevent further degradation caused by illegal mining.