12 Illegal Miners, Including Chinese Nationals, Arrested in Enchi Forest Operation
A joint operation conducted by the Rapid Response and District Monitoring Teams of the Forestry Commission (FC) in the Enchi Forest District has resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals engaged in illegal mining activities, including Chinese nationals.
The enforcement exercise, which took place on March 11, 2025, targeted Compartments 17 and 63 within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western Region. Authorities also seized an excavator and two gold detector machines during the operation.
Among those apprehended were three Chinese nationals—Cheng Yung (48), Yangedon (40), and Lengtar (45)—who were allegedly using an excavator for unauthorized mining in Compartment 17. Additionally, nine Ghanaian suspects were arrested in Compartment 63 while engaging in “dig and wash” mining activities. The Ghanaian suspects include:
- Yaw Timothy, 20
- Bonye George, 20
- Joseph Ayoo, 23
- Tanzon Mark, 20
- Kofi Salifu, 23
- Legosie Francis, 20
- Justin Dakora, 20
- Bismark Lebesue, 23
- Boye Bedua, 26
Seized Equipment and Police Investigations
The suspects have since been handed over to the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution. Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission is reportedly making arrangements to transfer the seized excavator to the Enchi Municipal Assembly premises for safekeeping.
This recent raid follows a similar operation on March 9, 2025, when the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with 30 military personnel, stormed the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. That effort led to the seizure of eight excavators, one bulldozer, and a pump-action rifle in Compartments 17 and 20.
Forestry Commission Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking on the matter, the Enchi Forest District Manager, Joseph Appiah Frimpong, reaffirmed the Forestry Commission’s dedication to combating illegal mining and logging across Ghana’s forest reserves.
“The Forestry Commission remains resolute in protecting our natural resources. Illegal miners and loggers should take note that we will not back down in our fight against these destructive activities,” he warned.
Frimpong further cautioned that anyone caught engaging in illegal mining could face imprisonment, hefty fines, or both.
Authorities have pledged to intensify their surveillance and enforcement measures in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, which remains a hotspot for illegal mining activities. Their goal is to prevent further environmental degradation and preserve the nation’s natural resources for future generations.
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