A joint Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Ghana Armed Forces has seized 10 excavators and a bulldozer in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
Four people were also arrested for their involvement in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The operation carried out on Sunday, 9th March 2025, targeted Compartments 17 and 20 of the reserve following repeated incursions by illegal miners despite previous eviction efforts.
Earlier on March 4, operational staff from the Enchi Forest District, alongside the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team, had raided the reserve, forcing out 12 excavators used for illegal mining.
However, due to the overwhelming number of miners and their possession of weapons, the enforcement team was unable to make any arrests at the time.
Intelligence received on 6th March suggested that the miners were planning to return, prompting forestry officials to heighten security measures.
Despite these precautions, the miners regrouped and re-entered the reserve on 8th March, once again defying efforts to remove them.
Outnumbered and unable to detain the perpetrators, the enforcement team escalated the matter, calling for a coordinated operation involving military personnel.
Recognising the persistent threat, authorities deployed a heavily armed joint task force. Their intervention proved effective, as they seized the mining equipment and apprehended four individuals engaged in the illegal activity.
The Forestry Commission has reiterated its commitment to protecting the nation’s natural resources and has warned that further operations will be conducted to prevent the destruction of forest reserves.
Authorities have also urged the public to report illegal mining activities to help safeguard the environment for future generations.
. The seized equipment are being evacuated to the Enchi District Assembly premises. A formal complaint has been made to the Enchi District Police Command
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