The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it is giving urgent attention to reports of illegal mining activities and encroachment within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.
The Secretariat said it had taken note of recent public and media reports concerning the alleged invasion of the forest reserve, as well as concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana and other stakeholders at a joint press conference on Monday, September 14, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, and signed by spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, NAIMOS said the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves, water sources and ecologically sensitive areas remained critical to the fight against illegal mining.
“Given that the Secretariat considers the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves, water sources and ecologically sensitive areas as critical in the fight against illegal mining, all reports in connection with the Atewa Range Forest Reserve are receiving necessary and urgent attention,” it said.
NAIMOS said it had already conducted reconnaissance operations within the enclave and was collaborating with relevant security and state agencies to take decisive action within the reserve.
It said the next phase of intervention would be guided by verified intelligence and further operational assessments to ensure maximum results.
The Secretariat assured the public that concerns over the Atewa Range Forest Reserve would not be ignored, stressing its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing illegal mining from undermining critical forest reserves, water bodies and communities that depend on them.
NAIMOS also commended civil society organisations, traditional authorities, communities and members of the public for their vigilance and encouraged them to continue providing credible information to support the national fight against illegal mining.