A joint security operation has struck a major blow to illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The March 9 crackdown, led by the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and supported by 30 military personnel, led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 10 excavators and a bulldozer.
This follows a string of enforcement actions aimed at curbing illegal mining in the reserve.
Earlier, on March 4, an operation by the Forest Services Division (FSD) and the RRU forced out 12 excavators, though no arrests were made as armed miners outnumbered the task force.
Despite efforts to block the miners’ return on March 6, they resumed operations by March 8, defying restrictions.
The final raid on March 9 successfully dismantled the illegal activities, showcasing the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves and cracking down on environmental crimes.