The Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Forest Services Division (FSD) personnel in the Tarkwa District of the Western Region have apprehended 19 illegal miners in the Bonsa River Forest Reserve.
A statement from the Forestry Commission’s Corporate Affairs and Media Relations office revealed that the arrests took place on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Aboso North Range, following a previous operation on June 12, 2024, where 11 suspects were also arrested in the same reserve.
The miners, using water pumps, shovels, and other tools, had established camps and were conducting operations day and night.
The suspects have been turned over to the Tarkwa Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
During the June 12 operation, 11 individuals, including 10 males and one female, were arrested and subsequently remanded in custody. Their cases have been sent to the Attorney General’s Department for advice.
The statement also noted that there are 21 ongoing illegal mining cases involving over 111 suspects arrested by Forestry Commission officials in forest reserves within the region.
These cases are at various stages of prosecution in Sekondi High Court 2 and Takoradi Circuit Court.
An appeal was made to the regional judiciary to expedite all forest offense cases, along with a stern warning against illegal mining.
Additionally, two excavators and a motorbike were disabled in the Apamprama Forest Reserve, near Kobro, on Friday, June 28, 2024, by FSD staff in the Bekwai District of the Ashanti Region and RRT members.
No arrests were made as the operators fled upon the team’s arrival.
Illegal miners in the Apamprama Forest Reserve have been reportedly conducting night operations to avoid arrest, prompting the Commission to increase night patrols and intelligence-led operations, which led to the immobilization of the two excavators.
The Forestry Commission staff in the Bekwai Forest District are dedicated to fighting illegal mining to protect forest and wildlife resources.
The statement concluded with a warning to illegal operators to stay out of the Apamprama Forest Reserve and other reserves to prevent further environmental damage.