Award-winning investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has once again raised the alarm over illegal mining activities in Ghana’s forest reserves.
In a social media reports , Connectghananews.com sighted, he revealed a fresh invasion of the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve by illegal miners, whom he claims have high-profile backing.
“These people are illegal miners with high-profile backing. To be able to have access to such a reserve without a license is almost impossible unless you have powerful people in government,” he stated.
Expressing his frustration, he reminded the government of its promise to combat such impunity. “Mr. President, this is not what you promised Ghanaians! Some of us fought this kind of impunity in the previous administration so a new government can save our forests.”
According to Donkor, the situation is worsening, with multiple illegal mining groups now active in the reserve.
“There are currently five groups like this in this beautiful forest, ready to destroy it without any license,” he revealed.
He further disclosed that another group had infiltrated the Datanor section of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Calling for immediate government intervention, he warned, “Mr. President, if this does not have the backing of the power given to you by Ghanaians, then I expect this illegality to be vanquished!”
His revelation comes days after a violent clash between two illegal mining groups in the Tano Anwia Forest in the Aowin municipality of the Western North Region earlier this year.
In response, a TV3 news team, accompanied by a task force from the Divisional Council, visited the forest on Friday, January 24, to assess the extent of destruction.
Their findings were alarming—over 50 acres of the reserve had been decimated. Although no miners were present at the time, the team discovered two excavators and newly installed Chanfan machines, clear evidence that mining activities were still ongoing.
Following the visit, the team proceeded to the Enchi Office of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, where Deputy District Manager Felix Badebangna Ansie emphasized the need for urgent action.
“We need all stakeholders to come together and safeguard our forest reserves. If we fail to act now, our natural resources will be lost forever,” he cautioned
