The Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocacy (JAGA) Watch Committee has arrested three men suspected of illegally entering the Tano-Boin Forest Reserve and engaging in mining activities along the bank of the Tano River.

The arrest took place on Friday, 2 October 2026, when members of the JAGA Watch Committee intercepted the three suspects 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. Members of the Watch Committee pursued him into the water and successfully apprehended him.

Forestry Commission Responds

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.

Suspects Remanded

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.

However, because the Enchi Magistrate and Circuit Courts currently do not have substantive judicial officers, the suspects were taken to the Assankragwa Magistrate Court, where they were remanded 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 last year 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 Calls for Serious Enforcement

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.

The organisation also commended the Attorney General and the Chief Justice for initiatives to establish special courts to expedite the prosecution of galamsey-related cases in selected regional capitals, including Sekondi.

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.

Appeal to the Media and Environmental Groups

JAGA has also appealed to the Media Coalition and international environmental organisations to follow the case closely.

The organisation said sustained public attention would help ensure that the case is handled transparently and that any persons found guilty are dealt with in accordance with the law.

The arrest brings renewed attention to the role of community volunteers such as the JAGA Watch Committee, who continue to work alongside state agencies to protect Jema’s forests, rivers and other natural resources from illegal mining.

By Friar Joseph Blay