Galamsey: Forestry Commission Arrests 12, Seizes Three Excavators In South Formangso
The operation also led to the seizure of six water-pumping machines and the destruction of six Chanfang machines.
- 12 suspected illegal miners arrested.
- Three excavators and six pumping machines seized.
- Six Chanfang machines destroyed during the operation.
The Forestry Commission has arrested 12 suspected illegal miners and impounded three excavators during an operation at the South Formangso Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, conducted on September 13, 2026, also resulted in the seizure of six water-pumping machines, while six Chanfang machines found at the site were destroyed.
The suspects were handed over to the Juaso Police for further investigation.
Personnel from the Ashanti Regional Office and the Juaso District Office of the Forestry Commission detected the illegal mining activities and mobilised the Commission’s Rapid Response Team to the area.
According to Juaso District Forestry Manager Isaac Boamah Amanquah, the miners were operating heavy-duty equipment and posed a security risk to forestry personnel.
He said three excavators were found at the site and subsequently transported to the Forestry Commission’s Range Quarters at Asankare.
Mr Amanquah said the illegal mining activities had destroyed an estimated two hectares of the forest reserve, while uncovered mining pits were making patrols difficult for forestry officers.
The Forestry Commission said the South Formangso Forest Reserve has previously been targeted by illegal miners.
A similar operation conducted by the Juaso District of the Forestry Services Division last year led to the destruction of makeshift structures and equipment belonging to illegal miners.
However, the Commission said the miners later returned to the reserve by reshaping an old access road to transport Chanfang machines and excavators into the protected area.
Mr Amanquah has warned persons planning to engage in illegal mining within the reserve to stay away, stressing that the Commission maintains a zero-tolerance approach to activities that degrade protected forest areas.
The Commission has meanwhile intensified patrols and monitoring operations in the area to prevent further illegal mining activities and protect the South Formangso Forest Reserve.
