The Aowin Division of the Forestry Commission has intensified its operations against illegal mining, arresting 13 Ghanaians engaged in galamsey activities within the Boin Tano Forest Reserve.
The operation, carried out around 1:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Jema Asemkrom, involved two task forces, including a Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission.
The teams moved into the reserve following intelligence reports of ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.
According to the District Manager of the Forestry Commission, Joe Appiah Frimpong, the operation led to the discovery of four makeshift mining camps deep within the forest reserve.
All four camps were destroyed, including changfang machines, shovels, and other mining equipment. The items were subsequently set ablaze.
He said the suspects, aged between 19 and 29 years, were actively involved in illegal mining activities that had resulted in the destruction of an estimated 0.4 to 0.5 hectares of forest land.
The 13 suspects have since been handed over to the Aowin Divisional Police Command for further investigations and have been arraigned before court to face the law.
The District Manager cautioned the general public that, in line with the President’s renewed commitment to fighting illegal mining, the Forestry Commission will not tolerate any illegal activities within forest reserves or on water bodies.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest and water resources, warning that sustained operations will continue across the division to clamp down on galamsey.
By Matthew Ahiaveh
