According to the operational account, the operatives encountered approximately 50 suspected illegal miners actively engaged in mining at the site.

Published 3 Nov 2026, 07:07 GMT

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One suspected illegal miner died, another sustained injury, and four others were arrested following an armed encounter during Operation GREEN SHIELD in the Atiwa Forest Reserve. The four arrested comprised three Malian nationals and one Ghanaian.

Having achieved their primary objective, operatives from ASOB advanced approximately 10 kilometres further into the forest to an additional illegal mining site, previously identified via drone surveillance. The foot patrol took place between 1100 and 1700 hours.

According to the operational account, the operatives encountered approximately 50 suspected illegal miners actively engaged in mining at the site. On sighting the patrol, some attempted to flee, while others opened fire on the operatives.

The operatives returned fire. One suspected illegal miner died during the encounter, another sustained injuries, and four were arrested. Two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were seized.

The operatives administered first aid to the injured person before evacuating him to Kyebi Government Hospital for further medical care. The four arrested individuals were subsequently handed over to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further action.

No casualties were recorded among the operatives. The encounter underscores the risks armed resistance poses to personnel conducting these enforcement operations.

Publishing DeskThe Publishing Desk at Media General Digital can be reached at editorial@mg.com.gh

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