One Dead, Four Arrested After Deadly Gunfight at Atiwa Forest Reserve

​A violent violent clash between security enforcement teams and illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve has left one suspected miner dead, another injured, and four individuals in custody. The raid was carried out by security forces as part of Operation GREEN SHIELD, targeting illegal small-scale mining operations (galamsey) operating deep within protected ecological zones. 

​The incident unfolded after drone surveillance identified an illegal mining hub approximately 10 kilometers inside the forest reserve. Security operatives on a foot patrol encountered a group of roughly 50 suspected illegal miners. Upon discovering the personnel, several miners fled into the forest, while others opened fire on the officers with firearms. Security forces returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the death of one suspect and injuries to another. 

​During the operation, officers recovered two pump-action shotguns along with live rounds of ammunition from the scene. The injured suspect was provided on-site first aid before being evacuated to the Kyebi Government Hospital for medical care. No casualties or injuries were reported among the security personnel. 

​Four suspects were taken into custody at the scene, comprising three Malian nationals and one Ghanaian. All four individuals have been handed over to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further investigation and prosecution. Officials maintain that anti-galamsey patrols will continue unabated to protect Ghana's forest reserves and water bodies from illicit exploitation.  

@Volta Today