Anti-Galamsey Operation Hits Offin Forest Reserve

 


A high-impact joint securit operation has dealt a significant blow to illegal mining operations in the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve within the Nkawie Forest District of the Ashanti Region. Acting on intelligence, a coordinated force involving the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat launched a daring pre-dawn raid on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The crackdown, which unfolded over three days, resulted in the seizure of 12 excavators, two motorcycles, and two pump-action shotguns. Five suspects—including a Chinese national—were arrested, while several others fled into the forest, abandoning camps and equipment.

The taskforce, which arrived from Accra and linked up with local forestry officers, stormed the reserve around 4:00 AM. In the process, illegal mining camps were torched, signaling the government's zero-tolerance stance against the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies.

The arrested suspects—Simon Mensah, Edward Addo, Aboagye Foster, and Amoah Justice—have been handed over to the Nkawie District Police. Identity documents belonging to two other individuals, Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre, were also recovered. All confiscated excavators have been moved to the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks for safekeeping.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, hailed the operation as a victory for law enforcement and environmental protection. He reiterated that the fight against galamsey is far from over, warning that no perpetrator, local or foreign, will be shielded from justice.

"This is not a one-off action. It is part of an aggressive, sustained offensive to reclaim our forest reserves and protect our future," Hon. Buah affirmed.

As investigations continue, the government says it remains committed to dismantling illegal mining networks and restoring degraded lands.

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