A violent attack on forest guards by suspected illegal miners has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining (Galamsey) in the Mmofranfa Adwen Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, prompted a large-scale security operation led by Acting Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Retired) John Kwame Jabari. The operation was sanctioned by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who also serves as the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The operation carried out in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, the Ghana Police Service, and National Security, aims to flush out illegal miners, seize mining equipment, and reclaim degraded land.
According to reports, a group of armed illegal miners ambushed forest guards stationed at the reserve, leading to a tense confrontation. While some officers managed to escape unharmed, one officer sustained multiple deep machete wounds, highlighting the growing dangers faced by law enforcement officers tackling illegal mining.
Speaking to GHOne News, Captain (Rtd.) Jabari condemned the attack and vowed that authorities would not relent in their efforts to rid the forest of illegal miners.
“This attack shows how desperate these illegal miners have become, but we will not back down. Our security forces are fully prepared to ensure law and order. The protection of our natural resources is non-negotiable,” he stated.
He clarified that the illegal miners who attacked the Forestry Commission officers had not been operating in the forest for more than a week.
“The forest guards received information that some excavators had been moved into the forest for illegal mining, so they went to investigate. Unfortunately, that led to their attack. It is not the case that the miners had been operating there for weeks. Let’s get the facts right,” he explained.
Investigations by security forces indicate that illegal miners have shifted their activities to nighttime operations in an attempt to evade detection. Intelligence gathered suggests that mining activities have intensified in the catchment area, threatening ongoing construction projects and critical environmental conservation efforts.
“We have observed that some of these illegal miners now work at night, thinking they can escape law enforcement. But we are stepping up surveillance, and there will be no hiding place for them,” Captain (Rtd.) Jabari added.
As part of the operation, security forces arrested several suspected illegal miners, while others managed to flee.
Heavy mining machinery, including excavators and water pumps, was confiscated. Some machines that could not be transported were rendered inoperable to prevent further use.
Authorities have also called on community members to report suspicious activities to help in the fight against illegal mining.
Beyond removing illegal miners, the government is prioritizing land reclamation efforts to restore the damaged sections of the forest reserve. Captain (Rtd.) Jabari emphasized the need for swift action to rehabilitate the environment and prevent further destruction.
“We are not just removing illegal miners; we are restoring the land. Reclamation must happen immediately to ensure that these forests are preserved for future generations,” he stated.
While reaffirming the government’s stance on mining, Captain (Rtd.) Jabari clarified that Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the NDC government led by President John Dramani Mahama, and the Minister for Lands, Minerals, and Natural Resources are not against legal and responsible mining but are cracking down on operations that destroy natural resources.
“We support responsible mining, but we will not tolerate destructive and illegal activities. Those who break the law will face prosecution,” Captain (Rtd.) Jabari warned.
He explained that the government is working to clean up the mess created by the previous administration regarding illegal mining in forest reserves, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
“The NPP government allowed people to mine in the forest with impunity, including both legal and illegal miners. Currently, we have reclaimed all forest reserves that were once no-go areas in the Ashanti Region. Very soon, we will invite the media to visit the forest to see the state in which we found it and the efforts we have made to restore it to its original condition,” he said.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council has assured the public that this crackdown is part of a broader strategy to eliminate galamsey and safeguard Ghana’s forests. Security forces will continue to monitor illegal mining hotspots and enforce environmental laws.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com/Isaac Justice Bediako
