Illegal mining continues to wreak havoc across Ghana’s forest reserves, with the latest devastation unfolding in the Adobewura section of the Jimmirah Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region, where hundreds of trees have been cleared in a matter of weeks.
Despite renewed government efforts and ongoing military deployments, forest officials report that illegal miners—locally known as galamseyers—are still outpacing enforcement measures. In compartments 28 and 29 of the reserve, once known for their rich biodiversity, the land has been stripped bare in pursuit of gold.
Among the casualties are hundreds of Cedrela trees, an essential species for the health and resilience of the forest ecosystem. Forestry authorities say the scale of destruction threatens the very foundation of sustainable forest management.
“The destruction of the Cedrela plantation and the whole forest ecosystem has lost its resilience and health. The activities of the illegal miners are greatly impacting on the sustainable forest management practices that we do,” said Abraham Essel, Nkawie District Forest Manager.
According to officials, the forest became inaccessible earlier this year after armed groups began protecting the miners.
“They were conducting their operations under the protection weapon-wielding thugs,” the Forestry Commission disclosed.
A recent military operation disrupted the illegal activity, leading to the seizure of more than 10 excavators. However, the respite is seen as temporary.
Clement Omari, the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, believes that a long-term military presence may be the only effective deterrent.
“Their modus operandi is that, they vacate sites as soon as the military is deployed in the forests but quickly return when the military leaves. Having a standby or a permanent military base close to the forest will prevent the miners from returning,” Mr. Omari proposed.
Despite numerous interventions over the years, including national task forces and policy reforms, illegal mining continues to thrive in parts of the country.
Lydia Opoku, Acting Executive Director of the Forestry Commission, is urging a new approach—one that includes communities living near the reserves.
She stated that “the miners are being protected by armed thugs with sophisticated machinery. We as Forestry Commission cannot match them so it is important the fringe communities and traditional authorities assist our forest guards to protect this natural resource.”
The crisis in Jimmirah is not an isolated case. Forests across Ghana are under siege from illegal mining, which has also polluted rivers and displaced wildlife. As officials grapple with how to protect the country’s dwindling natural resources, the question remains whether these efforts will be enough to turn the tide before irreversible damage is done.
