An alleged illegal mining group, led by a chief, engaging in Galamsey activities in the Manse section of the Anhwiaso East Forest Reserve near Diaso in the Bibiani Forest District of the Western North Region have been picked up by the the Forestry Commission (FC) of Ghana.
Nana Kwame Sobre II, the chief of Manse, and nine other suspects were arrested on-site by a special task force from the Forestry Commission on Wednesday, November 29.
The operation, carried out by seven Rapid Response Teams, aimed to eradicate illegal miners using heavy machinery that had caused deforestation and water pollution in the Reserve.
Allegedly supported by some high-ranking political figures and traditional authorities in the Region, the illegal activities led to the arrest of 10 individuals, including Nana Kwame Sobre II, who, according to the other suspects, recruited them into the illegal mining business. The task force also disabled two excavators and two heavy-duty power-generating plants at the illegal mining site.
The arrested individuals have been taken to the Dunkwa Police Station, where they will be transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction in the Western North Region for legal processing.
Samuel Darko Akonnor, the Coordinator for the Rapid Response Unit, issued a stern warning to such perpetrators, emphasizing the commitment of the Forestry Commission to safeguard national forest and wildlife resources and protect water bodies for future generations.
Source: OccupyGh.com
Tap To Join Our WhatsApp Community