A collaborative operation between the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Ghana Armed Forces has resulted in the seizure of 10 excavators, a bulldozer, and the arrest of four individuals involved in illegal mining within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

The crackdown, 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.

Prior to this, on 4th March, operational staff from the Enchi Forest District, alongside the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team, had raided the reserve, forcing out 12 excavators being 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 to prevent re-entry.

Despite these precautions, the miners regrouped and re-entered the reserve on 8th March, once again defying efforts to remove them from the protected area.

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 posed by the illegal miners, authorities resolved to take a firmer stance to ensure the protection of the forest reserve.

In response, a heavily armed joint task force was deployed to the area. Their intervention proved effective, as they successfully seized the mining equipment and apprehended four individuals engaged in the illegal activity.

The operation marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation within Ghana’s forest reserves.

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 any illegal mining activities to help safeguard the environment for future generations.