One dead, four arrested after gun battle in Atiwa Forest Reserve
Atiwa – Eastern Region
One suspected illegal miner has been killed, another injured, and four others arrested following a gun battle between anti-galamsey operatives and suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve.
The incident occurred on Monday, November 2, 2026, during an enforcement operation under Operation GREEN SHIELD.
According to the operational account, personnel from the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) moved about 10 kilometres deeper into the forest to investigate another suspected illegal mining site earlier identified through drone surveillance.
The foot patrol, which lasted from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., led the operatives to a location where approximately 50 suspected illegal miners were reportedly working.
Some of the miners reportedly fled upon seeing the security team, while others allegedly opened fire on the operatives, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
The operatives returned fire during the confrontation. One suspected illegal miner died in the exchange, while another sustained gunshot injuries.
Two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Four persons were arrested after the confrontation – three Malian nationals and one Ghanaian. They have since been handed over to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further investigation and necessary action.
No casualties were recorded among the security operatives involved in the operation.
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