Ten excavators, bulldozer seized by Military, Forest Commission in Tano Anwia forest reserve crackdown
The raid, executed on Sunday, March 9, 2025, focused on Compartments 17 and 20 of the reserve, areas that have been plagued by repeated incursions from illegal miners despite multiple eviction attempts.
In a decisive operation to curb illegal mining, a joint task force comprising the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Armed Forces has confiscated ten excavators and a bulldozer from miners operating unlawfully within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. Four individuals were also arrested during the exercise.
The raid, executed on Sunday, March 9, 2025, focused on Compartments 17 and 20 of the reserve, areas that have been plagued by repeated incursions from illegal miners despite multiple eviction attempts.
Earlier, on March 4, officials from the Enchi Forest District and the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team had conducted an enforcement operation, leading to the expulsion of miners and the removal of twelve excavators. However, due to the sheer number of illegal operators—some reportedly armed—the team was unable to make any arrests at that time.
By March 6, intelligence reports indicated that the miners were planning a return. In response, forestry officials intensified security measures to prevent their re-entry. Undeterred, the miners regrouped and re-entered the reserve on March 8, once again defying authorities.
Faced with persistent violations and outnumbered enforcement personnel, the Forestry Commission escalated the matter, requesting military assistance to enforce the law. Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard the forest, a well-armed joint task force was deployed, successfully intercepting the illegal operation. Their intervention resulted in the seizure of heavy-duty mining equipment and the apprehension of four individuals engaged in the activity.
Authorities have hailed the operation as a major victory in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s forest reserves and ecosystems. The Forestry Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and issued a strong warning that further enforcement actions would follow to deter environmental degradation.
Additionally, officials have urged the public to report any illegal mining activities to help preserve the nation’s forests for future generations.
