The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission has arrested 12 persons for engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, inside the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

The joint covert operation was carried out at dawn on Thursday, September 4, 2026, around the Sagyimase community, in Compartments 61 and 62 of the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Kyebi Forest District.

According to the Joint Operation Report, 17 personnel drawn from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts were deployed at 1:30am to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the reserve.

Upon reaching the site, the team encountered a group of illegal miners actively working. Twelve suspects were arrested, while others escaped into the adjoining bush.

The suspects are Pagase Lord, 18, from Paga; Kwabena Joe, 25, from Binprugu; Zinivi Kofi, 22, from Wa; Michael Owusu, 21, from Dambai; Narh Joseph, 24, from Asamankese; Sanoma Emmanuel, 21, from Dormaa Ahenkro; Abugart Daniel, 18, from Garu; Apam Kwesi, 32, from Binduri; Affum Gideon, 25; Adu Richmond, 21; and Isaac Ababio, 20, all from Adukrom; and Abass Osuman, 32, from Tamale.

The operation also led to the seizure of five motorbikes — three Royal motorbikes, one Apsonic Aloba and one Apsonic Paul Sport — as well as 11 shovels, water hoses, blankets used for washing gold and three gallons of petrol.

The Forestry Commission said the 12 suspects, together with two of the motorbikes and the 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 (FSD) for safekeeping.

The Commission described the operation as successfully executed without any casualties, saying the arrests and seizure of equipment would serve as a deterrent to persons who continue to invade forest reserves for illegal mining.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is one of Ghana’s important biodiversity hotspots and a critical watershed. It serves as the headwaters for the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers, which provide drinking water for millions of Ghanaians, including residents of Accra and surrounding communities.

The reserve has come under pressure from illegal mining and logging activities, threatening the country’s water security.

The Forestry Commission said it would sustain its operations against illegal miners who have invaded forest reserves.