NAIMOS arrests three suspects in Atewa Forest illegal mining operation

On October 27, 2026, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) launched Operation Green Shield, a military-backed initiative aimed at flushing out illegal miners from the Atewa Forest Reserve. During the initial deployment, security forces arrested three individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, within the protected area. The operation marks a renewed government effort to safeguard one of Ghana's most critical biodiversity hotspots and protect its vital water resources.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized the severity of the situation during the launch, describing illegal mining as a national emergency. According to the Minister, 44 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have been infiltrated by miners, leading to the destruction of approximately 8,900 hectares of forest cover. The financial burden of restoring these degraded landscapes is projected to reach billions of dollars. Despite previous attempts to restrict the movement of heavy mining equipment into forest areas, miners have continued to find ways to bypass regulations, necessitating the direct military intervention seen in Operation Green Shield.

A key component of the new operation is the establishment of a permanent security presence within the Atewa Forest. Minister Buah announced that a long-term security camp will be constructed to provide ongoing surveillance and deterrence. This facility is intended to facilitate a gradual transition of security responsibilities to the Forestry Commission once illegal activities have been suppressed. The Minister urged local traditional and political authorities to take ownership of the fight against galamsey, warning that the environmental and public health risks posed by the destruction of water bodies affect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

The Atewa Forest Reserve is internationally recognized for its high levels of biodiversity and serves as the headwaters for major rivers essential to local communities and regional water security. Operation Green Shield aims not only to arrest offenders but to provide a sustained shield for these vital ecosystems. As the three suspects face legal proceedings, the government maintains that this military-backed approach will be relentless in its pursuit of long-term environmental security for future generations.