Forestry Commission arrests 12 illegal miners in Ashanti

The Forestry Commission has arrested 12 suspected illegal miners and seized heavy-duty equipment during an operation in the South Formangso Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region. The crackdown, conducted on September 13, 2026, involved the Commission’s Rapid Response Team, the Ashanti Regional Office, and the Juaso District Office.

Authorities impounded three excavators, which were moved to the Commission’s Range Quarters at Asankare. Additionally, officials confiscated six water-pumping machines and destroyed six Chanfang machines. Juaso District Forestry Manager Isaac Boamah Amanquah noted that the illegal activities have destroyed an estimated two hectares of land and pose significant security risks to forestry staff due to uncovered pits.

The suspects have been handed over to the Juaso Police for investigation. This incident follows a similar operation last year at the same site, where miners reportedly returned by reopening an old access road to smuggle equipment into the protected area.