Forestry Commission Moves to Stop Galamsey Slums from Rebuilding
The Western Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Nana Poku Bosompim, has made it clear that illegal miners will not be allowed to return to slums recently cleared during a decisive operation. These slums, including Abrewa Ne Nkran and Jerusalem near Wassa Nkran, had long served as hideouts for illegal mining activities and were demolished in a joint raid by the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr Bosompim said the Commission is rolling out a stronger and smarter surveillance strategy to prevent the reestablishment of these galamsey camps. According to him, this isn’t the first time such slums have been razed. In the past, the miners returned—often more emboldened and better organized. This time, however, things will be different.
He noted that after the latest demolition, officials discovered that some illegal miners had already begun laying concrete foundations instead of their usual wooden huts, showing a level of planning that shocked the task force. That discovery triggered a sense of urgency within the Commission, prompting a full-scale patrol plan backed by military support.
The recent operation at Abrewa Ne Nkran began at 3:00 am and was executed under tight security. Troops from the Ghana Armed Forces’ Southern Command provided tactical reinforcement throughout the raid. Intelligence reports had revealed the area was not only densely occupied but also guarded by armed groups who had previously resisted eviction attempts. Mr Bosompim shared that early estimates pegged the population at about 1,500 to 2,000, but drone surveillance showed it was home to thousands more, essentially forming an underground city tucked along the boundaries of protected forest areas.
To stop the resurgence of these camps, the Forestry Commission has launched a new strategy based on ground patrols, real-time surveillance, and close collaboration with the military. This approach is designed to disrupt any attempts at rebuilding and ensure the safety of Ghana’s natural resources.
The scale of the operation revealed the depth of illegal activity taking place beyond the surface, with the camps acting as well-organised hubs for illegal mining. Residents had created full settlements with structures, networks, and resistance systems. What began as isolated mining operations had evolved into secret cities threatening forest reserves and water bodies.
With fresh determination, the Forestry Commission is aiming not only to keep the slums from returning but also to reset the tone for environmental enforcement in the Western Region. By patrolling relentlessly and acting swiftly on intelligence, they hope to send a strong signal that Ghana’s forests are not up for grabs. Mr Bosompim believes this time, the fight will not just be about tearing down structures but about preventing them from ever going up again.
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