Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Nzema East Municipal Assembly in Axim, Eric Essien, has expressed disbelief over reports of illegal mining activities within the Draw River Forest Reserve.
This reaction comes after a JoyNews investigation revealed that an unknown illegal miner has encroached upon the Draw River Forest Reserve, one of Ghana’s vital protected areas, located in Gwira Banso within the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
The report highlights that portions of the forest have already been cleared, and heavy machinery, including excavators, has been moved to the site, indicating the possible commencement of illegal mining operations that could severely damage the forest.
In light of these developments, Betterland Ghana Services, the company legally holding concessions within the forest, has denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the intrusion.
During an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight on August 27, the Nzema East MCE stated that he was previously unaware of any illegal mining activities occurring within the forest reserve.
“What I know is that a certain company called Better Land has the mining lease, but they have not started work yet. But I don’t know any miner over there; I don’t know anything about it,” he said.
Mr. Essien revealed that he became aware of the situation only after watching the JoyNews report and intends to bring it to the attention of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC).
He assured that he would personally visit the site, accompanied by the management team and the police, to conduct an investigation and promised to provide an update on the findings afterward.