The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) has reported that five of the country’s forest reserves remain under the control of armed illegal miners, heightening concerns about the safety of Ghana’s protected forests.

GIF’s communique indicates that as of early 2025, armed miners had seized nine reserves, restricting access for forestry officials.

“Fifty protected reserves comprising 49 forest reserves and one wildlife reserve, Bui National Park, have been affected by mining activities. At the beginning of 2025, nine forest reserves had been taken over by armed miners who prevented access by foresters. By October, five forest reserves remain under the control of armed miners, including Apamprama Forest Reserve, Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, Oda River Forest Reserve, Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, and Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.”

As of October, armed miners maintained control over five forest reserves, particularly Apamprama, Offin Shelterbelt, Oda River, Tano Anwia and Tano Nimri.

Altogether, mining activities have impacted 50 protected reserves, including 49 forest reserves and the Bui National Park.

In all, mining has touched fifty protected areas, made up of 49 forest reserves and the Bui National Park.

The findings were presented during the 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Institute of Foresters, held on November 6, 2025, at the Amonoo-Neizer (IDL) Conference Centre, KNUST, Kumasi. The AGM, themed “Foresters at the Forefront of Change: Tackling Mining Challenges and Advancing Forest Restoration,” brought together about 150 members and was chaired by Prof. Kyereh Boateng of KNUST’s Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources.

Dr. Hugh Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission and keynote speaker, highlighted the dangers posed by illegal mining, stressing that “several forest reserves have been taken over by armed miners, preventing access by our foresters and compromising conservation efforts.”

Speakers at the meeting emphasized how small-scale mining is harming the environment. Erastus Asare Donkor revealed that over 60% of the nation’s water bodies have been contaminated, while Mustapha Seidu outlined the implications of L.I. 2462 on forest preservation and noted that government steps are underway to repeal it.

GIF members called for tougher enforcement, better coordination with security forces, and greater public awareness to help curb illegal mining.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force has seized illegal mining equipment in a major swoop in Obuasi in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.

Equipment seized during the operation conducted on Monday, November 17, included motorbikes, vehicles, water pumps, and other tools used for illegal mining activities. Makeshift shelters and assorted equipment at the site were also destroyed.

The task force also stormed a concession at Anyankyireml, a site that had been taken over by groups of illegal miners. Although the concession is legally owned by Asante Gold Corporation, it has been occupied by these illegal miners, forcing the rightful owners to flee the site.

However, the intervention of the NAIMOS team drove out the miners and securing the land for its rightful owners. Illegal mining continues to pose a major challenge to the country, with several foreign nationals implicated and multiple arrests made. In June, NAIMOS warned criminal groups to vacate galamsey areas.

The John Dramani Mahama-led government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat in July as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the country.

Speaking during an update on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the newly established Secretariat would act as the brain of Ghana’s anti-illegal mining operations.

“To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.

The Secretariat’s responsibility is to collaborate with other key institutions such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as part of its mandate.

This collaboration is expected to ensure that excavators and other earth-moving equipment entering the country are not diverted for illegal mining activities.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” he added.

Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge to the country. Several Chinese nationals have been involved in such illegal operations, leading to multiple arrests.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that scientific tests are being carried out on new chemicals that could help restore polluted water bodies and rivers affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement on galamsey in Accra on Friday, October 3, with members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said, "There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back."

He has asked Ghanaians to exercise patience regarding the longstanding battle against illegal mining (galamsey) activities. During a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said declaring a state of emergency will not end the menace.

According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.