Galamsey Fight: 10 excavators, one bulldozer seized in Tano Anwia Forest Reserve
A joint operation by the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and 30 military personnel on Sunday, March 9, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 10 excavators and one bulldozer in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, located in the Western North Region.
The authorities also arrested four suspects in compartments 17 and 20 of the reserve.
This operation is part of a series of enforcement actions, including a previous raid on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, when FC staff and the RRU acted on a tip-off to disrupt illegal mining activities in the same area.
During that operation, 12 excavators were expelled from the forest, though no arrests were made due to the overwhelming numbers and armour of the miners present.
The government has intensified its anti-galamsey fight as the menace threatens to jeopardise Ghana’s forest reserves and vital ecosystems.
Following intelligence reports on Thursday, March 6, 2025, indicating that illegal miners intended to return, the team was proactive in preventing their re-entry.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the team responded to another tip-off regarding the miners’ return, but they faced heavy resistance and were outnumbered by armed individuals unwilling to vacate the area.
In light of these developments, a joint operation was mobilized to arrest the miners and confiscate the equipment.
The seized machinery was transported to the premises of the Enchi District Assembly, with a formal complaint filed with the Enchi District Police Command.
These miners had taken refuge in the forest while conducting their illicit activities, including mining along the bank of the Red Volta that flows into the area.
The suspects included two nationals from Burkina Faso, 27 from Togo, and 41 Ghanaians, among whom were three children.
This operation was conducted on the morning of March 4, 2025, and was led by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in direct response to concerns raised by Naba Sigiri Bewong, the Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area.
The coordinated effort, involving police, military, and immigration personnel, resulted in the recovery of various equipment, such as air compressors, drilling machines, motorbikes, and tools for gold processing.
During a visit on February 20, 2025, by Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Naba Bewong highlighted the pressing issue of illegal mining in the forest and called for immediate action.
He said protecting the forest reserve was crucial to prevent further degradation, emphasizing that unchecked mining could severely impact local communities.