W/R: Joint security operation dismantles illegal mining camp in Subri forest

A joint operation by the Forestry Commission and Ghana Armed Forces took place on April 15. They dismantled an illegal mining camp in the Subri Forest Reserve. This area is located in Ghana’s Western Region.

The raid revealed serious criminal activities. Officials destroyed makeshift mining structures, brothels, and shelters. They also rescued trafficked victims, including young foreign nationals forced into prostitution and drug abuse.

This operation was one of the most revealing in recent times. Authorities found an underground settlement with people from Nigeria, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The once-quiet forestry community had become a hotspot for cross-border crime.

Nana Kwabena Bosompim is the Western Regional Forestry Manager. He noted that illegal miners built fully functional hubs there. These included wooden brothels and makeshift shelters used for living and business.

Security officers called the setup an “eyesore.” It marked a complete departure from the forest's purpose as a conservation zone. Bosompim stated that illegal mining has caused devastating environmental damage.

He pointed out polluted rivers, destroyed vegetation, and massive deforestation. A combined security team will stay in the area for at least two weeks to prevent miners from returning.

Bosompim expressed concern about young girls wanting to engage in prostitution instead of attending school. Initially, they expected to find 2,000 miners but discovered over 10,000 instead.

Due to this large number, they could not make many arrests during the raid. They decided to burn down equipment and flush out everyone involved in illegal mining.

Bosompim warned all miners to leave the community and forest reserves immediately. He emphasized that legal mining would not pose any issues for them.