One of the seized excavators
A combined team of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and 30 military personnel raided the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Enchi Forest District of the Western North Region, seizing nine excavators, one bulldozer, and arresting four individuals engaged in illegal mining.
The operation took place on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in compartments 17 and 20 of the reserve.
This decisive action followed a series of previous operations aimed at stopping illegal mining activities in the forest reserve:
March 4, 2025: A team from the Forest Services Division (FSD) of the FC, along with the RRU, stormed the reserve after receiving a tip-off about illegal mining. The team successfully drove out 12 excavators but was unable to make any arrests as the miners, who were heavily armed, outnumbered them.
March 6, 2025: Acting on intelligence that the miners planned to return, the team re-entered the reserve and prevented re-entry by the illegal operators.
March 8, 2025: Another attempt was made to arrest the miners, but they once again overpowered the enforcement team with their large numbers and heavy weaponry.
Following this invasion, videos and images of the illegal mining activities circulated widely on social media, sparking public concern.
In response, a joint team comprising the military and the RRU were deployed for a full-scale operation.
The team successfully arrested four illegal miners and seized nine excavators and a bulldozer.
The confiscated equipment is being transported to the Enchi District Assembly premises.
Additionally, the Forestry Commission has lodged a formal complaint with the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and legal action.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and have warned illegal miners against encroaching on protected lands.
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below: