- Illegal mining has once again breached Ghana’s protected forest zones. Armed galamsey operators have stormed the Jimira Forest Reserve with excavators, while others are actively operating inside the Anwia Futu section of the Offin Shelter Belt.
- The incursions, reported by investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, have sparked alarm over the escalating threat to Ghana’s ecological heritage.
Ghana’s fight against illegal mining has taken a troubling turn as armed galamsey operators have reportedly invaded two major forest reserves—Jimira and Offin Shelter Belt—with heavy machinery. The latest breach, confirmed by journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, occurred under the cover of darkness, with excavators rolled into the Jimira Forest Reserve late Thursday night.
Meanwhile, multiple machines have been spotted operating inside the Anwia Futu enclave of the Offin Shelter Belt, a protected zone already scarred by previous mining incursions. The coordinated entry of armed miners into these ecologically sensitive areas has reignited fears of irreversible environmental damage and raised questions about enforcement and surveillance.
The Jimira Reserve, located in the Ashanti Region, has been a frequent target of illegal mining activity. Earlier this year, a joint task force clashed with armed men in the area, resulting in injuries and arrests. Despite previous raids and public outcry, the miners continue to return—this time with more firepower and machinery.
The Offin Shelter Belt, known for its biodiversity and role in water conservation, is also under siege. In June, authorities seized 12 excavators and burned down illegal mining camps in the area. Yet, the latest reports suggest that enforcement efforts have not deterred repeat offenders.
Environmental advocates warn that the unchecked spread of galamsey into forest reserves threatens not only flora and fauna but also the livelihoods of communities that depend on clean water and fertile land. With excavators now operating openly in protected zones, the urgency for sustained, coordinated action has never been greater.
As the country grapples with the fallout, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission are under pressure to respond decisively. The question remains: how long can Ghana’s forests withstand this assault?
