NAIMOS moves to address reported illegal mining in Atewa forest

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, in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, said it had taken note of recent media reports and concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana and other civil society organisations over the state of the forest reserve.

NAIMOS described the protection of forest reserves, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas as critical to Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.

According to the Secretariat, it has already conducted reconnaissance operations within the Atewa enclave and is currently working with relevant security and state agencies to determine the next phase of intervention.

NAIMOS said the planned operation would be based on verified intelligence and further operational assessments to ensure that appropriate action is taken.

The Secretariat assured the public that concerns over activities within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve would not be ignored, stressing its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing illegal mining from threatening forests, water bodies and communities.

It also commended civil society organisations, traditional authorities, local communities and members of the public for their vigilance and urged them to continue providing credible information to support the national anti-illegal mining campaign.

The statement was signed by Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Spokesperson for NAIMOS.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith