Authorities Crack Down on Galamsey in Anwiaso Forest
Ghanaian investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has provided an update on illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the Anwiaso South Forest Reserve, revealing the devastating environmental destruction caused by illegal miners.
In a Facebook post on February 4, 2025, Erastus detailed a joint operation conducted by the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission, the Military, and the Police on January 30, 2025. The operation targeted two forest reserves in the Bibiani Forest District—Afao Hills and Anwiaso South—where intelligence reports had confirmed ongoing illegal mining activities.
During the operation, authorities discovered sixteen (16) excavators, one (1) bulldozer, and other mining equipment left behind as the illegal miners fled upon sensing the presence of the security team. The illegal miners, who were operating within the forest reserves without authorization, had already caused extensive destruction to the environment.
According to Erastus, the security team engaged local residents and issued a final deadline for the illegal miners to remove their equipment from the reserves. They warned that failure to comply would result in drastic action when the team returns after the deadline. However, the exact date of the deadline was not disclosed.
Erastus further reported that the illegal mining activities had led to widespread destruction of the forest ecosystem, resulting in significant biodiversity loss. The once-thriving vegetation in the Anwiaso South Forest Reserve has been severely degraded due to the use of heavy machinery in mining operations. The impact on water bodies, soil quality, and wildlife habitat is expected to be severe, raising concerns about long-term environmental sustainability in the area.
This latest operation highlights the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining in Ghana, which has become a major threat to the country’s forests and water bodies. Despite several crackdowns, illegal miners continue to operate, often with support from powerful individuals. The involvement of the Military and the Police in this latest exercise signals a renewed commitment to tackling the menace.
Illegal mining remains a serious challenge in Ghana, and the recent findings in the Anwiaso South Forest Reserve underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement measures. While the ultimatum issued by the authorities is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether the miners will comply or if further drastic actions will be necessary to protect Ghana’s dwindling forest reserves.