The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission has arrested 12 persons for engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, inside the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.
The joint covert operation was carried out in dawn swoop Thursday, around the Sagyimase community, in Compartments 61 and 62 of the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Kyebi Forest District.
According to the Joint Operation Report, a total of 17 personnel drawn from the Assin Fosu, Akim Oda and Juaso Forest Districts were deployed at 1:30 am to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the reserve.
Upon reaching the site, the team encountered a group of illegal miners actively working, during which 12 persons were apprehended, while the rest managed to escape into the adjoining bushes.
Those arrested include Pagase Lord, 18, from Paga; Kwabena Joe, 25, from Binprugu; Zinivi Kofi, 22, Wa; Michael Owusu, 21, Dambai; Narh Joseph, 24 from Asamankese; Sanoma Emmanuel, 21 from Dormaa Ahenkro; Abugart Daniel, 18 from Garu; Apam Kwesi, 32 from Binduri; Affum Gideon, 25, Adu Richmond, 21, and Isaac Ababio, 21, all from Adukrom, and Abass Osuman, 32, from Tamale.
Items retrieved from the illegal mining site included motorbikes, 11 shovels, water hoses, blankets used for washing gold, and three gallons of petrol.
The Forestry Commission said suspects together with the two motorbikes and other exhibits have been handed over to the Kyebi District Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The remaining three motorbikes have been retained at the Kyebi District Office of the Forest Services Division (FSD) for safekeeping.
The commission described the operation as successfully executed without any casualties, adding that the arrest and seizure will serve as a deterrent to persons who continue to invade forest reserves for illegal mining.
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is one of Ghana’s most important biodiversity hotspots and a critical watershed.
It serves as the headwaters for three major rivers – the Birim, Densu and Ayensu which provide drinking water for millions of Ghanaians, including residents of Accra and surrounding communities.
The reserve has come under intense pressure in recent years from illegal mining and logging activities, threatening the country’s water security.
The Forestry Commission has vowed to sustain its operations against illegal miners who have invaded forest reserves.
FROM TIMES REPORTER, KYEBI
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