Ghanaian authorities have apprehended 31 individuals, including 28 Chinese nationals and 3 Ghanaians, within the Apamprama Forest Reserve in the Ashanti region. The arrests follow the thwarting of what officials describe as a coordinated attempt to conduct illegal mining operations under the guise of “land rehabilitation.”
Investigations revealed that the suspects had established a camp inside the protected forest area, claiming they possessed permits for land reclamation activities. This tactic mirrors previous attempts to exploit legal loopholes for illicit mining purposes.
Official data indicates that approximately half of the Apamprama Forest Reserve has already suffered degradation due to illegal activities. Environmental experts warn that the continued encroachment will accelerate deforestation and water pollution within the region.
In a separate operation, authorities conducted a raid along the Birim River in the Eastern region, resulting in the arrest of 5 Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining and directly washing mineral materials into the river. This practice poses a significant threat to water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Ghana’s Forestry Commission has affirmed that its field teams, deployed across areas including Bekwai, Nkawie, Mankranso, and Dunkwa, are on high alert to safeguard forest reserves. The commission is advocating for the swift prosecution of the arrested individuals to deter future violations.
Illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” has caused widespread damage to Ghana’s forests and rivers. Successive governments have deployed joint task forces comprising military, police, and civilian personnel to protect the country’s natural resources.
In October 2025, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reported the arrest of approximately 1,500 individuals for illegal mining activities since the beginning of the year, including around 60 Chinese nationals in various parts of the country.
These recent arrests underscore the government’s intensified efforts to combat environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly within protected areas. The Forestry Commission is emphasizing the need for stringent penalties to prevent the recurrence of such violations.
