12 Illegal Miners Arrested in Forestry Commission Raid at Tano Anwia Forest
A joint operation by the Rapid Response and District Monitoring Teams of the Forestry Commission (FC) in the Enchi Forest District has led to the arrest of 12 illegal miners and the seizure of an excavator and two gold detector machines in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve of the Western Region.
The March 11, 2025 operation focused on Compartments 17 and 63, areas that have recently witnessed intense illegal mining activities. Among those arrested were three Chinese nationals—Cheng Yung (48), Yangedon (40), and Lengtar (45)—who were allegedly using an excavator for illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey”, in Compartment 17 of the reserve. Additionally, nine Ghanaian suspects were caught engaging in “dig and wash” activities in Compartment 63.
Suspects Handed Over for Prosecution
The arrested 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)
- Boye Bedua (26)
The suspects have been handed over to the Enchi District Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission is making arrangements to move the seized excavator to the Enchi Municipal Assembly premises for safekeeping.
Forestry Commission Vows to Intensify Crackdowns
This latest operation follows a similar raid on March 9, 2025, when the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with 30 military personnel, stormed the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve and seized eight excavators, one bulldozer, and a pump-action rifle in Compartments 17 and 20.
Commenting on the recent arrests, Enchi Forest District Manager, Joseph Appiah Frimpong, reiterated the Forestry Commission’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
“The Forestry Commission will not relent in its efforts to protect our natural resources. I want to caution illegal miners and loggers to desist from these activities, as the Commission will remain relentless in pursuing them,” he warned.
Authorities to Sustain Efforts Against Illegal Mining
Frimpong further emphasized that those caught engaging in illegal mining could face imprisonment, fines, or both if found guilty. Given the high risk of illegal mining in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, authorities have vowed to intensify operations to prevent further environmental degradation.
Source: GhanaWeb
The Forestry Commission’s joint operation has led to the arrest of 12 illegal miners, including three Chinese nationals, and the seizure of an excavator and gold detectors in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.