Police and Forestry Commission officials have arrested 16 men in the Asenanyo Forest Reserve. The arrests were made on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The men are alleged to have prevented Forestry Commission officials from accessing the reserve. Their actions were reportedly to stop officials from clamping down on illegal mining activities.
The arrested individuals were allegedly armed. They carried pump-action guns, machetes, and charms.
The Forestry Commission officials were attempting to enter the reserve to halt illegal mining operations.
The operation involved a combined team of police officers and Forestry Commission staff.
The suspects were apprehended within the forest reserve area.
Further investigations are expected to determine the full extent of their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities and obstruction of officials.