NAIMOS vows decisive action over reported Atewa Forest illegal mining

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it is taking urgent steps to address reports of illegal mining and encroachment within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

The Secretariat said it had taken note of recent media reports concerning alleged illegal mining activities in the reserve, as well as concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana and other civil society groups during a joint press conference on Monday, September 14, 2026.

In a statement signed by Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Spokesperson for NAIMOS on Tuesday, September 15, NAIMOS said all reports relating to the Atewa Range Forest Reserve were receiving the necessary and urgent attention because of the importance of protecting Ghana’s forest reserves, water sources and ecologically sensitive areas.

The Secretariat disclosed that it had already conducted reconnaissance operations within the forest reserve and was collaborating with relevant security and state agencies to take decisive action.

It said the next phase of the intervention would be guided by verified intelligence and further operational assessments to ensure maximum results.

NAIMOS assured the public that concerns over the Atewa Range Forest Reserve would not be ignored, stressing its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing illegal mining activities from undermining critical forest reserves, water bodies and communities that depend on them.

The Secretariat also commended civil society organisations, traditional authorities, local communities and members of the public for their vigilance.

It encouraged the continued provision of credible information to support the national campaign against illegal mining.

Read the statement below:

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