258 arrested as Ghana escalates forest reserve mining crackdown

Ghana’s intensified fight against illegal mining has led to the arrest of 258 suspects and the seizure or destruction of more than 2,000 pieces of equipment in forest reserves, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on July 15, Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor said the enforcement drive was carried out in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and security agencies.

The operation dismantled six excavators, 1,225 changfan machines, 765 tricycles and 35 motorbikes. Authorities also seized or destroyed 212 additional motorbikes, 430 makeshift structures and 40 gold detectors linked to illegal mining activities.

Jinapor said the campaign has improved security in forest reserves, noting that Ghana has recorded no “red zones” since December 2025. He stressed that enforcement is only one part of the government’s strategy, which also includes land reclamation.

In partnership with the private sector, 1,535 acres of degraded land have already been restored in the Ashanti Region, with another 1,500 acres targeted by the end of 2026. Government‑led reclamation projects are also underway nationwide, aiming to recover 960 acres of damaged land.

Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has long been blamed for destroying forests, polluting rivers and degrading the environment. Officials say the combination of enforcement, restoration and stakeholder collaboration is central to reversing the damage and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.

Source: myonline.com