BREAKING: NAIMOS Moves to Crush Illegal Mining Reports in Atewa Forest — Decisive Action Looms

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has announced that reports of illegal mining and encroachment within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve are receiving urgent attention, with decisive action expected following reconnaissance operations in the area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, NAIMOS said it had taken note of recent media and public reports concerning alleged illegal mining activities and encroachment within the protected forest reserve.

The development follows concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana and other stakeholders at a joint press conference on Monday, September 14, over the current state of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

NAIMOS promises decisive action

According to the Secretariat, it has already conducted reconnaissance operations within the forest enclave and is working with relevant security and state agencies to determine the next course of action.

NAIMOS said the planned intervention will be guided by verified intelligence and further operational assessments, with the aim of achieving maximum results.

The Secretariat stressed that the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas remains a critical component of the national fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

‘Concerns will not be ignored’

NAIMOS has assured the public that concerns surrounding the Atewa Range Forest Reserve “will not be ignored”, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.

The Secretariat said it would continue working to ensure that illegal mining activities do not undermine critical forest reserves, water bodies and communities that depend on these natural resources.

It also commended civil society organisations, traditional authorities, local communities and members of the public for their vigilance and encouraged them to continue providing credible information to support the fight against illegal mining.

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