Atewa: A coordinated anti-illegal mining operation by the Forestry Commission's Rapid Response Teams has led to the arrest of 24 suspects at the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the dawn swoop was conducted at about 0330 hours on Tuesday, April 26, 2026, at the Sagyimase portion of the Reserve in the Abuakwa South Municipality. The operation involved 30 personnel drawn from six RRT units nationwide.
A statement from the Commission, copied to the Ghana News Agency, mentioned that several miners fled upon sighting the officers. However, 24 suspects were apprehended at the scene, with no fatalities recorded.
During the operation, 16 water pumping machines suspected to have been used for illegal mining activities were destroyed. Additionally, 52 makeshift polysheet tent structures that served as temporary shelters were dismantled and burned.
The statement further noted that two additional water pumping machines were seized and transported to the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division to be kept as exhibits. The suspects have since been handed over to the Kyebi District Police for further investigation and prosecution.
Among those arrested, five were identified as minors. The Commission emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the Reserve from illegal mining, which poses a threat to forest integrity, water bodies, and surrounding communities.
The Rapid Response Teams assured that surveillance and enforcement efforts in and around the Atewa enclave would be sustained to deter further incursions and protect Ghana's natural heritage.