The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission has arrested 12 persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.
The arrests were made during a dawn joint operation on Thursday, September 4, 2026, around Sagyimase in Compartments 61 and 62 of the Atewa Forest Reserve under the Kyebi Forest District.
The operation involved 17 personnel drawn from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts. The team was deployed at about 1:30 a.m. following reports of illegal mining activities in the reserve.
According to the Joint Operation Report, the team encountered a group of persons actively engaged in illegal mining upon reaching the site. Twelve suspects were arrested, while others escaped into the adjoining bush.
The Forestry Commission said five motorbikes, 11 shovels, water hoses, blankets used for washing gold and three gallons of petrol were retrieved from the mining site.
The 12 suspects, together with two of the motorbikes and other exhibits, have been handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The remaining three motorbikes have been retained at the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division for safekeeping.
The Commission said the operation was conducted without casualties and warned that the arrests and seizure of equipment should serve as a deterrent to persons engaged in illegal mining within forest reserves.
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is a major biodiversity area and critical watershed, serving as the headwaters of the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers.
The reserve has faced pressure from illegal mining and logging, with environmental concerns over their potential impact on its biodiversity and water resources.
The Forestry Commission said it will sustain operations aimed at removing illegal miners from forest reserves.
