The Rapid Response and District Monitoring Teams of the Forestry Commission in the Enchi Forest District have arrested 12 illegal miners operating within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The operation, which took place on March 11, 2025, led to the arrest of nine Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals. The teams also seized one excavator and two gold detector machines from Compartments 17 and 63 of the reserve.
According to a statement from the Public Affairs Unit of the Forestry Commission, the Chinese suspects were found using an excavator for illegal mining in Compartment 17, while the Ghanaian suspects were engaged in “dig and wash” activities in Compartment 63.
The Chinese suspects have been identified as Cheng Yung, 48; Yangedon, 40; and Lengtar, 45. The Ghanaian suspects include Yaw Timothy, 20; Bonye George, 20; Joseph Ayoo, 23; and Tanzon Mark, 20. The rest are Kofi Salifu, 23; Legosie Francis, 20; Justin Dakora, 20; Bismark Lebesue, 23; and Boye Bedua, 26.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and prosecution.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to move the seized excavator from the reserve for safekeeping at the Enchi Municipal Assembly premises.
Speaking on the issue, Joseph Appiah Frimpong, the District Manager of the Forestry Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and logging in the nation’s forest reserves.
“The Forestry Commission will not relent in its efforts to combat illegal activities in our forest reserves. I want to caution illegal operators to be mindful of their actions, as the Commission will be relentless in pursuing them. Those found guilty in court could face imprisonment, a fine, or both,” he warned.
The Tano Anwia Forest Reserve has come under frequent attacks from illegal miners in recent times. Just two days before the latest operation, on March 9, 2025, the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with 30 military personnel, stormed the reserve and seized eight excavators, one bulldozer, and a pump-action rifle from Compartments 17 and 20.
Authorities say they will continue to intensify efforts to curb illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves, ensuring the protection of these vital natural resources.
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