Forestry Commission Arrests 12 Illegal Miners in Atewa Range Forest Reserve Operation

The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team has apprehended 12 individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region. The intelligence-led operation, which took place last Friday, targeted miners caught in the act of encroaching upon one of Ghana’s most sensitive ecological zones. The arrested individuals, aged between 18 and 32, were found operating deep within the protected forest, underscoring the persistent challenge of 'galamsey' even in high-security conservation areas.

During the swoop, the tactical team successfully seized several items used in the illegal operations, including motorbikes and various mining tools. These items have been confiscated as evidence to support the legal process. Following the arrests, the suspects were handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and subsequent prosecution. This action forms part of a broader mandate by the Forestry Commission to intensify surveillance and enforcement to deter environmental degradation and unauthorized resource extraction.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is widely regarded as a critical national asset, serving as a vital watershed that feeds the Birim, Densu, and Ayensu rivers. These water bodies are the primary sources of potable water for millions of Ghanaians, including residents of the Greater Accra Region. Beyond its hydrological importance, Atewa is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to rare and endangered species. Illegal mining in this area not only threatens the water security of the nation but also risks the permanent destruction of a unique ecosystem that is central to Ghana’s climate resilience.

As the legal proceedings against the 12 suspects commence in Kyebi, the Forestry Commission has signaled its intent to maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward forest encroachment. The commission aims to utilize these arrests as a deterrent to others who might consider entering the reserve for illegal purposes. Environmental stakeholders continue to emphasize that the protection of the Atewa Forest is a matter of national security, requiring sustained vigilance and the strict application of mining laws to preserve the country's natural heritage for future generations.