By Abbas Nazil
Ghanaian authorities have arrested dozens of illegal miners in coordinated operations targeting forest reserves and river bodies across the country.
The Forestry Commission confirmed that its Rapid Response team arrested 31 illegal miners inside the Apamprama Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
Those arrested included 28 Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians found operating deep within a protected forest zone.
Officials said the suspects were apprehended in Compartment 17 of the reserve near the Obeng ne Obeng community.
The operation disrupted what authorities described as a coordinated attempt to conduct illegal mining under the pretext of a land reclamation exercise.
Security personnel seized a pickup truck, a Foton mini truck and a generator believed to have been used for mining activities.
Four temporary structures erected within the forest were also immobilised during the raid.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the miners were allegedly facilitated by an individual identified as Alhassan.
The Forestry Commission said the suspect organized the group’s entry into the forest reserve.
Officials noted that similar illegal mining groups often claim to possess permits for land reclamation to evade detection.
Forestry authorities warned that illegal mining continues to cause severe environmental damage in the Apamprama Forest Reserve.
They disclosed that nearly 50 percent of the reserve has already been degraded due to repeated incursions.
The destruction has accelerated deforestation and contributed to pollution of nearby water bodies.
On the same day, another enforcement operation led to the arrest of five Chinese nationals along the Birim River in the Eastern Region.
The arrests were carried out by the National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
The operation began at approximately 1:40 pm on Monday December 29 2025.
Officials said the suspects were caught actively mining and washing mineral materials directly into the Birim River.
Two excavators discovered at the site were immobilised by the task force.
A Toyota Hilux pickup and a Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly linked to the suspects were seized.
Several makeshift structures at the mining sites were dismantled by enforcement officers.
Water pumping machines and other mining equipment were also destroyed to prevent further use.
The Forestry Commission stated that its Rapid Response team remains on high alert across forest reserves.
Officials from the Bekwai Nkawie Mankranso and Dunkwa zones reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests.
They called for the prosecution of all arrested individuals to serve as a deterrent.
Illegal mining locally known as galamsey has devastated large areas of forest land nationwide.
Major rivers have been heavily polluted prompting repeated government interventions.
Successive administrations have deployed joint military and civilian task forces to combat the menace.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reported significant progress in enforcement efforts.
In October 2025 officials disclosed that nearly 1,500 illegal miners had been arrested since the start of the year.
About 60 of those arrested were Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining operations.
Authorities say the recent arrests highlight intensified efforts to curb environmental destruction.
The government has reiterated its resolve to protect forest reserves and water bodies from further degradation.
