Forestry Commission Arrests 12 Suspects in Atewa Range Forest Reserve Galamsey Crackdown

The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU) successfully apprehended 12 suspects for engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as "galamsey," within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The operation, which took place in the early hours of September 4, 2026, targeted illegal activities in the compartments near the Sagyimase community in the Eastern Region. This dawn swoop is part of a broader, intensified effort by state agencies to curb environmental degradation in protected areas under the current administration of President John Mahama.

The covert operation began at approximately 1:30 a.m. and involved a team of 17 personnel drawn from various forest districts. During the raid, the task force managed to capture the 12 suspects and seized five motorbikes along with an assortment of mining equipment used for their illegal activities. Officials described the mission as a significant success, noting that it was executed effectively without any reported casualties. The swift action by the RRU underscores the Forestry Commission's commitment to patrolling and securing Ghana’s ecological zones against encroachers.

Following the arrests, the suspects and the confiscated items were transported to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and formal processing. The Forestry Commission has indicated that it will work closely with law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This handover marks the beginning of legal proceedings aimed at deterring other prospective illegal miners from entering the reserve and damaging the forest floor.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is a critical ecological site, serving as a primary watershed for the Birim, Pra, and Densu rivers, which provide water to millions of Ghanaians, including those in the capital. Beyond its role in water security, the reserve is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to rare and endangered species. The Forestry Commission emphasized that such illegal mining activities pose a severe threat to these vital resources. By continuing these targeted operations, the government aims to safeguard the nation’s environmental heritage and maintain the integrity of its forest reserves for future generations.