Twenty-four individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining have been arrested following a coordinated dawn operation by Rapid Response Teams (RRT) at the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.
According to an operational update, the raid commenced at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Monday, 28 April, at Sagyimase, a community located near the forest reserve. The exercise involved 30 personnel drawn from six RRT units across the country, deployed to clamp down on illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey.
While 24 suspects were apprehended, several others reportedly fled during the operation. Security personnel also destroyed equipment believed to have been used in the illicit activities, including 16 water pumping machines and 52 makeshift poly-sheet tent structures. Additionally, two water-pumping machines were seized and transported to the district office as exhibits for further investigation.
The suspects are currently being processed at the Kyebi District Office and are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further action.
The Atewa Range Forest remains one of Ghana’s most ecologically sensitive areas and has been central to ongoing debates surrounding mining, environmental conservation, and water security. Environmental advocates have consistently warned that illegal mining in the area poses significant risks to biodiversity and critical water sources.
The operation forms part of broader national efforts to combat illegal mining, which continues to degrade forests, rivers, and agricultural land across multiple regions despite sustained enforcement measures.
