Galamsey: One dead, four arrested following armed encounter in Atiwa Forest Reserve

A suspected illegal miner has been killed and another injured after an exchange of gunfire between anti-galamsey operatives and suspected miners during Operation GREEN SHIELD in the Atiwa Forest Reserve.

One suspected illegal miner has died, another has sustained injuries, and four others have been arrested following an armed confrontation between security operatives and suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.

The incident occurred on Monday, November 2, 2026, during an enforcement operation under Operation GREEN SHIELD, an initiative aimed at combating illegal mining and protecting forest reserves.

According to an operational account reported by 3News, operatives from the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) advanced approximately 10 kilometres deeper into the forest to a suspected illegal mining site identified through drone surveillance.

The foot patrol took place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., during which the team encountered about 50 suspected illegal miners reportedly engaged in mining activities at the site.

Gunfire erupts during operation

The operational account indicated that some of the suspected miners attempted to flee upon seeing the security team, while others allegedly opened fire on the operatives.

The team returned fire, resulting in the death of one suspected miner and injuries to another.

Two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were reportedly recovered during the encounter.

The injured suspect was given first aid by the operatives before being transported to the Kyebi Government Hospital for further medical attention.

No casualties were recorded among the security personnel involved in the operation.

Four suspects handed over to NAIMOS

The four people arrested comprise three Malian nationals and one Ghanaian.

They were subsequently handed over to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further action.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the identities of the suspects or the status of any potential charges.

Operation GREEN SHIELD intensifies

The latest incident comes as authorities intensify efforts to remove illegal miners from the Atiwa Forest Reserve and prevent them from returning after enforcement operations.

Operation GREEN SHIELD was launched in the reserve in late October as part of a military-backed effort to disrupt illegal mining, secure affected areas and eventually transfer responsibility for maintaining protection to the Forestry Commission.

The operation has included drone surveillance, targeted patrols and arrests of suspected illegal miners.

The latest armed encounter highlights the security risks facing personnel conducting anti-galamsey operations, as authorities seek to protect forest ecosystems and water resources from the effects of illegal mining.