258 arrested, over 2,000 illegal mining equipment seized in forest reserve crackdown
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced intensified operations against illegal mining in forest reserves, leading to the arrest of 258 suspects and the seizure or destruction of hundreds of pieces of equipment. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The enforcement exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and other security agencies.
The operations resulted in the seizure and demobilisation of six excavators, 1,225 changfan machines, 765 tricycles, and 35 motorbikes. The Ministry also recorded the seizure or destruction of 212 additional motorbikes, 430 structures linked to illegal mining activities, and 40 gold detectors. 258 suspects were arrested and are expected to face legal processes. The Minister stated that the intensified enforcement campaign has improved security within forest reserves, noting that Ghana has recorded no "red zones" in its forest reserves since December 2025. In partnership with the private sector, the government has reclaimed 1,535 acres of degraded land in the Ashanti Region, with an additional 1,500 acres expected to be reclaimed.
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The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has intensified operations against illegal mining in forest reserves, collaborating with the Forestry
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