A joint security operation has dealt a major blow to illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The crackdown, led by the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and backed by 30 military personnel, resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of 10 excavators and a bulldozer on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
This latest raid follows a series of enforcement efforts to curb illegal mining in the reserve. Earlier, on March 4, personnel from the Forest Services Division (FSD) and the RRU stormed the area after receiving a tip-off.
Although they managed to drive out 12 excavators, no arrests were made as the miners, reportedly armed, outnumbered the task force.
Undeterred, authorities intensified their efforts. On March 6, acting on intelligence that the miners planned to return, the team re-entered the forest to prevent their re-entry.
However, on March 8, reports confirmed that illegal miners had defied the restrictions and resumed operations.
When the team attempted to apprehend them, they were met with resistance, as the heavily armed miners refused to vacate the reserve or remove their excavators.
Determined to restore order, the joint security team launched a final crackdown on March 9, successfully dismantling the illegal mining operations.
The operation highlights the government’s renewed commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and cracking down on illegal mining activities threatening the country’s natural ecosystems.
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