The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU) has arrested 12 people suspected of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, inside the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The arrests were made during a dawn operation on September 4, 2026, around the Sagyimase community in Compartments 61 and 62 of the reserve, within the Kyebi Forest District.
According to the Forestry Commission, 17 personnel drawn from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts were deployed at about 1:30 a.m. for the covert operation aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities in the protected area.
12 Suspects Arrested, Mining Equipment Seized
The team encountered a group of suspected illegal miners actively operating at the site.
Twelve suspects were arrested, while others reportedly escaped into the adjoining bush.
The operation also led to the seizure of several items allegedly being used at the mining site, including:
- Five motorbikes — three Royal motorbikes, one Apsonic Aloba and one Apsonic Paul Sport
- 11 shovels
- Water hoses
- Blankets used for washing gold
- Three gallons of petrol
The Forestry Commission said the 12 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 for safekeeping.
Atewa Forest Under Threat
The Forestry Commission said the operation was successfully conducted without casualties and described the arrests and seizure of equipment as a deterrent to illegal mining activities within forest reserves.
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is recognised as an important biodiversity hotspot and critical watershed. It contains the headwaters of the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers, which provide water to millions of people, including residents of Accra and surrounding communities.
However, the reserve continues to face pressure from illegal mining and logging, raising concerns over the potential impact on Ghana’s water security and biodiversity.
The Forestry Commission has pledged to sustain its operations to remove illegal miners who continue to invade protected forest reserves.
