Tarkwa forestry officials attacked by illegal miners in Neung South reserve

Officials at the Tarkwa Forest District office are living in fear. This follows an attack by illegal miners after a crackdown on their activities. The miners had gathered in the Neung South Forest reserve on Monday.

Since then, the illegal miners have protested outside the office. They have threatened staff and disrupted operations.

On Wednesday, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) visited to discuss the situation. While he was there, a group arrived with knives. They threatened to burn vehicles and slashed the District Manager's car tires.

The MCE intervened and stopped further damage.

A report from the forest office detailed events from Monday morning. At 10:30 am, they learned about an excavator illegally mining in the Neung South Forest Reserve.

A Rapid Response Team was sent to investigate, and the Regional Manager was notified. A backup team was later dispatched to immobilize the machine.

After this action, a group led by Ruben Agbokah attacked the Tarkwa Forest District office. They locked staff inside and assaulted some employees.

It took police intervention to retrieve keys from them. The attackers threatened to burn both the office and personal vehicles. For safety, official vehicles are now parked at a police station.

The Tarkwa Forest Office reported ongoing disruptions since June 2nd, 2025. Staff have been unable to perform meaningful work due to these threats.

The illegal miners specifically target the District Manager and an Assistant District Manager. They believe these officials ordered actions against their excavator.

Illegal mining continues to threaten Neung South and other forest reserves.