A joint military task force conducted a raid on an illegal mining site, demolishing equipment and structures used for unlawful gold extraction.
The operation took place on the April 15, 2025 in Abrewa Nni Nkran, near Subri Forest Reserve (Western Region, Ghana).
A sprawling illegal mining (galamsey) settlement housing 10,000+ residents, including foreign nationals.
Conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and Forestry Commission, the dawn raid exposed a lawless enclave deep in the Subri Forest Reserve. Initial estimates suggested 2,000 inhabitants, but troops uncovered a 10,000-strong settlement with nationals from Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali
The site was a hotspot for:
- Illegal mining: Extensive destruction of the forest reserve, with polluted waterways and deep pits
- Human trafficking: Young women (mostly from Nigeria) were rescued after being lured into prostitution under false job promises
- Other crimes: Drug trafficking, child abuse, counterfeit operations, and tax evasion.
Makeshift homes, brothels, and mining equipment were burned or dismantled. The settlement has been described by many as a “mini-ECOWAS” criminal network, evading state control and causing irreversible ecological damage
Excavators, water pumps, makeshift camps, and other mining equipment were set ablaze or dismantled to prevent further illegal activities
However, miners began reconstructing destroyed structures within 48 hours, highlighting the need for sustained military presence. Some residents praised the raid, citing relief from crime, while others (e.g., displaced food vendors) resumed illegal trade post-operation
The operation aligns with the government’s intensified crackdown on galamsey, which has devastated Ghana’s forests and water resources.
- Ongoing Efforts: Similar raids have increased in recent months, particularly in the Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions.
Authorities are tracking foreign-backed financiers and criminal networks. The Forestry Commission has also identified additional illegal settlements in virgin forests, with plans for further raids.
Video Credit : Joy News
