Ghana Town Bans Illegal Mining, Arrests 13 in Forest Raid

When most communities struggle to stop illegal miners, one small town in Ghana decided enough was enough.

On January 20, 2026, a 24-person team from the Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocacy (JAGA) and Ghana's Forestry Commission marched into the Tano-Boin Forest Reserve. They found exactly what they feared: an illegal mining operation tearing through protected land.

The joint task force arrested 13 suspects, ages 17 to 25, and dismantled their entire operation. They torched makeshift shelters and destroyed pumping machines, effectively shutting down the camp that was destroying one of Ghana's vital forest reserves.

The operation happened near the Elubo-Enchi corridor, a region that has faced repeated attacks from illegal miners. While one team succeeded in Tano-Boin, a second group spent four grueling hours trekking through dense forest in nearby Jema-Assemkrom but had to turn back after losing the trail.

The 13 arrested suspects appeared in court on January 22. The local district court couldn't handle the case because Ghana's 2019 mining law requires higher courts to impose the stiff penalties these crimes now carry. The suspects were remanded for one week pending transfer to a circuit or high court.

The Ripple Effect

Jema stands alone among 14 communities along a 72-kilometer stretch as the only town maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for galamsey (illegal mining). Visitors see the commitment immediately: a massive 20-foot billboard in the market square declares "Jema, No Galamsey."

Under the leadership of Friar Joseph Blay, JAGA isn't just protecting farmland anymore. They've vowed to safeguard all lands belonging to the Jema Stool, expanding their protective reach across the entire region.

The advocacy group emphasized that strong penalties are essential. "Setting them free will demoralize the local watchdogs and cause serious division and tension in the community," JAGA stated, urging courts to apply the full force of Ghana's updated mining laws.

Their message to other illegal miners is clear: this forest is protected, and this community isn't backing down.

One small town is showing Ghana and the world that when communities unite around protecting their environment, they can stand against forces much larger than themselves.