A joint operation by the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Ghana Armed Forces has led to the seizure of 10 excavators, a bulldozer, and the arrest of four individuals engaged in illegal mining within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The operation, which took place on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Compartment 17 and 20 of the reserve, follows multiple attempts by forestry officials to remove illegal miners from the area.
Earlier, on March 4, operational staff from the Enchi Forest District, along with the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team, raided the reserve and drove out 12 excavators engaged in illegal mining. However, due to the miners’ superior numbers and possession of weapons, no arrests were made.
Intelligence gathered on March 6 indicated that the miners were planning to return, prompting officials to reinforce security and prevent re-entry. Despite these efforts, the miners regrouped and returned on March 8, once again resisting removal.
Outnumbered and unable to make arrests, the enforcement team escalated the matter, leading to a full-scale joint operation with the military.
In response, a heavily armed joint task force was deployed, successfully seizing the heavy machinery and apprehending four suspects.
The seized machinery has been transported to the Enchi District Assembly premises, while a formal complaint has been lodged with the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and legal action.
The Forestry Commission has vowed to intensify efforts to protect Ghana’s forest reserves from illegal mining activities, which continue to pose significant threats to the environment.