Twelve suspected illegal miners have been remanded into police custody after they were arrested during a two-day operation against illegal mining in the Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region. The suspects were arrested on July 31 and August 1, 2026.
Suspects in Bosomtwe Forest Reserve Illegal Mining Scandal
The operation, conducted by the Bekwai Forest District of the Forestry Commission, targeted illegal mining activities within Compartments 1, 10, and 12 of the protected forest reserve. An excavator was immobilised, and several items allegedly used for illegal mining were seized, including a tricycle, seven changfan machines, 21 water pumping machines, two power plants, two generators, and an air blower.
The suspects – Abu Naa, Adakwa Mathew, John Tibootey, Nurudeen Issah, Henry Peter, Ruth Agbenyo, Anthony Amadi, Sesi Mclean, Benjamin Owusu, Richard Atta, Sumaila Mohammed, and Abel Nti – were subsequently arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court. They are expected to reappear before the court on August 11 and 12, 2026.
Escaped Suspect and Continued Enforcement
The Forestry Commission also disclosed that one Abena Ahenkan, believed to be the alleged leader of one of the illegal mining groups, escaped during the operation and is currently being sought by the authorities. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghana's forest reserves from illegal mining, stressing that enforcement operations would continue to target individuals whose activities threaten the country's forests and other natural resources.
The Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve is a protected area that provides a habitat for various plant and animal species. The illegal mining activities in the reserve have been a concern for conservationists and local communities, who worry about the long-term impact on the environment and the livelihoods of people who depend on the forest for their well-being.
Forest Reserve Protection Efforts
The Forestry Commission has been working to protect the forest reserves in Ghana from illegal mining and other forms of degradation. The Commission's efforts include enforcement operations, community engagement, and education on the importance of forest conservation. The Commission's commitment to safeguarding Ghana's forest reserves is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of illegal mining and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The remanding of the suspected illegal miners into police custody is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to protect the Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve. The case will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, with the suspects expected to reappear before the court on August 11 and 12, 2026. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by conservationists, local communities, and the general public, who are eager to see justice served and the forest reserve protected for future generations.
Source: Joy Online
