The Aowin Division of the Forestry Commission has intensified its clampdown on illegal mining, arresting 13 persons engaged in galamsey activities within the Boin Tano Forest Reserve.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, saw two task forces of the Commission, including a Rapid Response Team, raid suspected illegal mining sites at Jema Asemkrom following intelligence reports of active operations deep within the forest.
According to the Aowin District Manager of the Forestry Commission, Joe Appiah Frimpong, the operation led to the discovery of four makeshift mining camps established to support unauthorised gold extraction.
“These camps were operating deep within the forest reserve, destroying valuable forest land and threatening the integrity of our ecosystem,” Mr Frimpong said. “All four camps were destroyed during the operation, and equipment such as changfang machines, shovels, and other mining tools were seized and set ablaze to prevent further illegal activities.”
He disclosed that the suspects, aged between 19 and 29, were actively engaged in mining activities that had already destroyed approximately 0.4 to 0.5 hectares of forest land.
“We have handed over the 13 suspects to the Aowin Divisional Police Command for further investigations, and they have since been arraigned in court to face the full weight of the law,” he added.
Mr Frimpong explained that the operation forms part of the Forestry Commission’s renewed enforcement drive in line with the President’s directive to intensify the fight against illegal mining, which continues to pose serious environmental, social, and economic threats.
“Illegal mining not only destroys our forests, but it also pollutes water bodies and threatens biodiversity,” he noted. “As part of our ongoing enforcement strategy, the Forestry Commission will sustain operations across the Aowin Division to ensure that forest reserves and water bodies are fully protected.”
Environmental experts have consistently warned that galamsey activities in forest reserves contribute to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution, undermining national efforts to protect natural resources and combat climate change.
Residents in communities around the Boin Tano area have welcomed the latest operation, citing growing concerns about the impact of illegal mining on farmlands, water sources, and livelihoods.
The Forestry Commission has meanwhile urged the public to support the fight by reporting illegal mining activities, warning that offenders will continue to face strict legal consequences as enforcement efforts are sustained across the division.
