A 24-man joint task force comprising the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) and local watchdogs from the Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocacy (JAGA) successfully dismantled an illegal mining operation deep within the Tano-Boin Forest Reserve on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects, aged between 17 and 25, including both local natives and foreign nationals. The team moved swiftly to torch makeshift shelters and decommission pumping machines found on-site, effectively neutralising the illegal encampment.

The mission was divided into two strategic prongs aimed at high-risk zones near the Elubo-Enchi corridor:

1. Tano-Boin Success: A team of 13 Forestry Officers and two JAGA watchdogs successfully infiltrated the reserve, leading to the high-profile arrests.
2. Jema-Assemkrom Setback: A second team of 11 officers and two watchdogs faced a gruelling four-hour trek through dense foliage in the Jema-Assemkrom Reserve. Despite their persistence, the squad lost the forest footpath and was forced to retreat without locating the suspected mining site.

This is not the first time the Jema-Assemkrom area has been targeted; in August 2025, JAGA watchdogs apprehended two Nigerien nationals for illegal mining in the same forest. Their trial remains pending, highlighting the persistent pressure on this ecological zone.

The 13 suspects were initially processed at the Enchi Divisional Police Command.

On January 22, 2026, they were arraigned before the Enchi District Court.

However, due to the specialised nature of the charges, the Magistrate noted that the District Court lacks jurisdiction to preside over cases brought under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

The suspects have been remanded in police custody for one week, pending their transfer to a superior court (Circuit or High Court) with the authority to hand down the stiff penalties mandated by the new law.

“JAGA hopes that these recalcitrant ecociders will be penalised in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act Amendment 2019, Act 995, to serve as a deterrent to others,” the advocacy group stated. “Setting them free will demoralise the local watchdogs and cause serious division and tension in the community.”

Jema has distinguished itself as the only town among 14 communities along the 72km stretch from Elubo to Enchi to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for galamsey.

Visitors are greeted by a massive 20-foot billboard at the market square and signage throughout the town boldly declaring: "Jema, No Galamsey."

Under the leadership of Friar Joseph Blay, JAGA has vowed to extend its protective umbrella beyond farmlands to the entire Jema Stool lands.