The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response and District Monitoring Teams have arrested 12 individuals, including three Chinese nationals and nine Ghanaians, for engaging in illegal mining within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

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The arrested Chinese nationals have been identified as Cheng Yung, 48, Yangedon, 40, and Lengtar, 45.

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The operation, conducted on Wednesday, March 11, was part of the Commission’s intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey,’ in Ghana’s forest reserves.

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During the raid, authorities seized an excavator and two gold detector machines from Compartments 17 and 63 of the forest reserve.

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According to a statement from the Public Affairs Unit of the Forestry Commission, the Chinese suspects were caught operating the excavator in Compartment 17, while the Ghanaian miners were engaged in “dig and wash” activities in Compartment 63.

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The Ghanaian suspects include Yaw Timothy, 20, Bonye George, 20, Joseph Ayoo, 23, Tanzon Mark, 20, Kofi Salifu, 23, Legosie Francis, 20, Justin Dakora, 20, Bismark Lebesue, 23, and Boye Bedua, 26. All 12 individuals have been handed over to the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.

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The Forestry Commission has assured the public that stringent measures will be enforced to protect Ghana’s forest reserves from illegal mining activities.

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Arrangements are underway to transport the seized excavator to the Enchi Municipal Assembly for safekeeping.

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Speaking on the arrest, Mr. Joseph Appiah Frimpong, District Manager of the Forestry Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and logging.

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“I would like to throw caution to the illegal operators to be very mindful of their acts because the Commission will be at their heels, and they could face imprisonment, a fine or both when found guilty at the law courts”, he said.

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He stated that the Commission will not relent in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s forests and warned illegal operators to be mindful of their actions, as those caught will face imprisonment, fines, or both.

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The Tano Anwia Forest Reserve has become a hotspot for illegal mining operations. Just two days before this latest raid, on March 9, 2025, the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with 30 military personnel, conducted another operation in the reserve. That raid led to the seizure of eight excavators, a bulldozer, and a pump-action rifle from Compartments 17 and 20.

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The Forestry Commission has reiterated its resolve to work with law enforcement agencies to dismantle illegal mining networks and preserve the country’s forest reserves.

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