Community watch committee arrests three illegal miners at Jema

A community watch committee has arrested three suspected illegal miners at Jema in the Aowin area of the Western Region.

The three men were seen entering the Tano-Boin Forest Reserve and engaging in illegal mining activities along the bank of the Tano River.

The three were arrested on Friday, October 2, 2026, when members of the Jema Anti-Galamsey Adovacy (JAGA) Watch Committee intercepted them for allegedly mining within the protected forest reserve.

The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a water-pumping machine and a changfang mining raft.

According to JAGA, one of the suspects attempted to escape by swimming across the river but he was pursed the watch committee and successfully apprehended him.

The District and Regional offices of the Forestry Commission at Enchi and Wiawso were immediately informed of the arrest.

The Forestry Commission subsequently arranged transportation for the suspects from Jema to Enchi and covered other operational expenses incurred during the day’s exercise.

JAGA expressed appreciation to the Forestry Commission for its prompt response and collaboration, saying officials had assured the organisation that the Commission would follow up on the case to ensure that the suspects were dealt with in accordance with the law.

The incident highlights the growing collaboration between community-based environmental watchdogs and state institutions in the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Ghana’s remaining forest reserves.

Following their arrest, the three suspects were handed over to the Police at the Jema Police Station and subsequently transferred to the District Police Command at Enchi.

The suspects were taken to the Assankragwa Magistrate Court, where they have since been remanded in police custody for one week.

JAGA commended the Enchi District Police Command, particularly the District Commander, Chief Superintendent Mensah, for ensuring that the suspects were brought before a court for remand.

The organisation contrasted the latest development with an earlier experience involving two Nigerien nationals arrested by JAGA in 2025 for allegedly mining in the Jema-Assemkrom Forest Reserve.

According to JAGA, those suspects were subsequently granted police bail, and the organisation has not seen meaningful progress in the case.

JAGA said the latest case reinforces the importance of ensuring that arrests arising from illegal mining activities proceed through the appropriate legal channels.

JAGA said it expects the current case to receive the full attention of the relevant law-enforcement and judicial authorities, given the environmental and public-interest implications of illegal mining in protected forest reserves.

JAGA stressed that the protection of Ghana’s forests and water bodies cannot be left to state institutions alone.

“When civilians risk their lives to arrest illegal miners to protect their water bodies and forests from destruction, state institutions must support them by enforcing the law,” the organisation said.

JAGA maintained that a concerted effort involving politicians, security agencies, the Judiciary, traditional leaders and local communities could significantly strengthen the fight against illegal mining and help safeguard Ghana’s remaining forest reserves.

Also read:

• Jema Task Force and forestry officers dismantle mining cell in Tano-Boin Reserve

• Aowin Traditional Council declares war on illegal mining with spiritual intervention