On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission targeted the Anwiaso East Forest Reserve near Diaso in the Bibiani Forest District, Western North Region, addressing illegal mining activities causing environmental degradation.
The reserve had witnessed an incursion of illegal miners, reportedly supported by political authorities in the district, utilizing heavy machinery.
Taking prompt action, the Armed Unit of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit conducted an operation resulting in the apprehension of 10 individuals engaged in illegal mining.
Simultaneously, the team dismantled and rendered inoperable two excavators and two heavy-duty electrical plants found at the illicit mining site.
The Coordinator of the Rapid Response Unit at the Forestry Commission Headquarters issued a stern warning, reaffirming the unit’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and safeguarding the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.
He declared,“The unit is ever prepared to carry the fight to them in order to save the forest and water bodies”.