Forestry Division in Aowin Division has arrested 13 individuals who are engaging in illegal mining activities within the Boin Tano Forest Reserve as part of intensified operations against galamsey.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 29, were found actively involved in illegal mining that had destroyed approximately 0.4 to 0.5 hectares of forest land.
The 13 individuals have since been handed over to the Aowin Divisional Police Command for further investigations and arraigned in court to face legal action.
The operation took place around 1:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Jema Asemkrom and involved two task forces, including the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team. The teams acted on intelligence reports indicating ongoing illegal mining in the area.
According to Mr. Joe Appiah Frimpong, District Manager of the Forestry Commission, the operation uncovered four makeshift mining camps deep inside the forest reserve. “All four camps were destroyed, including changfang machines, shovels, and other mining equipment, which were subsequently set ablaze,” he said.
Mr. Frimpong cautioned the public, emphasizing 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 dedication to protecting Ghana’s forest and water resources, warning that sustained operations will continue across the division to clamp down on galamsey.
