The Forestry Commission Rapid Response Team says it has arrested 4 armed illegal miners at a mining camp in the Subri forest reserves near Benso in the Western Region.
This was during a raid in the forest reserve. The suspects are all Ghanaians who were found mining in a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area of the forest.
During the operation, the team seized 5 pump-action guns, 77 rounds of ammunition and 3 excavators.
Other items found at the site have been handed over to the Takoradi Police for further investigation.
The raid is part of joint rapid response efforts that come amid increasing illegal mining activities that have degraded significant portions of Ghana’s forest reserves.
The suspects, between the ages of 23 and 40 years, are Emmanuel Adawusu, Shadrack Yowson, Innusah Yussif and Issah Seidu are in the custody of the police.
The District Manager of the Forestry Services Division, Takoradi District, Mr Theodore Banodyele, disclosed this to the media yesterday.
He said the suspects, who were armed and guarding the excavators when they were mining, escaped during the operation.
Mr Banodyele noted that the suspects have since been charged with illegal possession of weapons without authorisation and would be put before the Takoradi Circuit Court today.
He reported that at least 1.5 hectares of the Tarkoradi Forest Reserve had been destroyed due to illegal mining activities. He assured that, “Our teams are actively patrolling the forest reserves. The Forestry Commission is committed to safeguarding the forest for future generations. We will reclaim the land and replant trees to restore it.”
Mr. Banodyele urged those involved in illegal mining to cease their activities, emphasizing that “the Forestry Commission is fully prepared to take all necessary measures to protect the forest reserves.”
He stated that illegal mining, or galamsey, is significantly impacting the country’s economic development. He urged the public to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting those involved in these activities.
Illegal mining in Ghana has been a serious issue, leading to the destruction of forest reserves and contamination of water bodies. Water sources are polluted with mercury and other chemicals used in mining, contributing to soil degradation, loss of fertile land, and erosion.
Additionally, galamsey causes air pollution through the release of dust and chemicals and is linked to increased crime, corruption, insecurity, and environmental threats.
There have been widespread calls from individuals, religious groups, civil society organizations, and environmental activists for urgent action to address and halt illegal mining.
