Some of the suspects
The Enchi Forest Division in collaboration with the military has arrested 10 illegal miners in a special operation.
The 10 persons were arrested for engaging in galamsey activities within the protected Boin Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.
The Enchi Forest Division Manager, Joe Appiah Frimpong, confirmed the arrests and stated that the individuals had been handed over to the police at Enchi for further investigation and prosecution.
He noted that the suspects were arrested in a section of the forest located close to the border with Ivory Coast.
He stressed that the arrests were part of efforts to clamp down on all forms of unauthorised mining operations that continue to degrade the country’s forest reserves.
He pointed out that the area where the 10 persons were apprehended is increasingly targeted by illegal miners due to its rich mineral deposits and difficult terrain.
He bemoaned the fact that Illegal mining activities continue to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and farmlands, and that the Boin Forest Reserve has been particularly vulnerable in recent years.
He, therefore, warned individuals and groups involved in similar activities to desist from the illegal acts.
He stated, “The Enchi Forest Division, in collaboration with the security agencies, will not relent in its mandate to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s forests.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi