Thirteen suspected illegal miners accused of operating within the protected Boi Tano Forest Reserve in the Western North Region have been remanded into prison custody by the Takoradi Circuit Court.
The suspects were arraigned before the court on charges related to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, within the forest reserve. However, presiding judge Araba Nunoo did not take their pleas during the initial hearing.
They are expected to reappear before the court on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
List of Suspects
The accused persons have been identified as:
• Philip Kanza
• Biney Benedict
• Francis Achiah
• Joshua Asare
• Emmanuel Amankwa
• Martin Kwame
• Latif Amadu
• Kwabena Mensah
• Albert Mensah
• Karim Mahama
• Adoko Hayford
• Ezekiel Ajuusine
• Kwasi Desmond
Authorities indicated that the suspects are between the ages of 17 and 29.
Intelligence-Led Operation
According to Joe Appiah Frimpong, District Manager for the Enchi Forest District, officials acted on intelligence suggesting that groups of illegal miners had established camps within the reserve and were actively conducting unlawful mining operations.
He explained that a coordinated enforcement operation was launched in the early hours of January 20, 2026, between 1:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
The exercise involved four teams from the Western North Regional Forest Services Division and the Enchi Forest District, who worked together to flush out miners operating in both the Boi Tano and Jema Asemkrom forest reserves.
Arrests and Seizures
During the raid, the task force apprehended the 13 suspects and dismantled several pieces of equipment and temporary structures used for the illegal operations.
Items destroyed and seized included:
• Five water-pumping machines burned
• Four makeshift wooden structures destroyed
• Two additional water-pumping machines seized
• Ten mobile phones confiscated
• Four shovels recovered
Authorities say the equipment was being used to extract minerals from the protected forest area.
Investigation and Prosecution
Following the operation, the suspects were handed over to the Enchi Police Command for further investigations and prosecution.
The case forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by security agencies and forestry officials to combat illegal mining, which has been blamed for widespread environmental degradation, destruction of forest reserves, and pollution of water bodies.
Broader Context
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most persistent environmental challenges, particularly in forest reserves and river catchment areas. Government agencies have intensified surveillance and joint operations to protect ecologically sensitive zones.
The upcoming court hearing will determine the next steps in the prosecution of the accused persons.
Source:Ghana News Agency