Armed soldiers allegedly guarding Galamsey site in Anwiaso East Forest Reserve

Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has made a serious claim, alleging that illegal mining is happening inside the Anwiaso East Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Western North Region and shockingly, it is being protected by the military.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, Mr. Donkor revealed that he and his team have been investigating the situation for months. According to him, they’ve gathered evidence showing a group of miners operating deep within the forest, destroying large portions of land. What’s more concerning is the presence of fully uniformed soldiers and armed individuals, claiming to be national security operatives, guarding the area. He said these security personnel have even mounted a checkpoint at the entrance to the site.

Mr. Donkor described the destruction as massive, saying the size of the land damaged is comparable to about 15 football fields. He emphasized that this mining operation has been ongoing for months, with excavators tearing through the forest.

He also mentioned that his team has submitted video footage and other evidence to the appropriate government bodies. However, he expressed disappointment that, so far, no action has been taken to stop the illegal activity. “We expected something to be done after submitting the evidence, but since nothing has happened, we are speaking out publicly,” he said.

Erastus further stressed that the mining activities are completely illegal and unlicensed. He explained that thorough checks were made, and no legal permits exist for mining at the site. He called it a “secret illegal mining enclave”, hidden from the public eye but protected by people who are supposed to enforce the law.

His exposé raises serious questions about the role of security forces in protecting Ghana’s natural environment and the ongoing fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.