A joint security operation by the National Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) has led to the arrest of several armed illegal miners who had re-entered the Anwiafutu section of the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve.

The operation, carried out earlier today, follows reports by journalist Erastus Asare Donkor that the miners had resumed illegal activities in the protected reserve despite previous clampdowns.

According to preliminary information, the miners were overpowered and detained in what authorities have described as a “massive operation.”

Details regarding the number of suspects arrested and the weapons seized are expected to be released in an official statement soon.

The Offin Shelterbelt Reserve has long been a hotspot for illegal mining, raising concerns over environmental destruction, water pollution, and threats to biodiversity.

The arrests signal a renewed effort by authorities to tighten enforcement and protect Ghana’s forest reserves from further degradation.