Some of the suspects
About 2000 rubber trees on a six-hectare land belonging to the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) have been destroyed by the activities of illegal miners.
GREL, a rubber processing factory in the Western Region, says illegal mining activities are adversely affecting its operations.
According to GREL, the 2000 mature rubber trees were ready for tapping when they were destroyed by the illegal miners to facilitate their illegal activities.
The Western Regional Security Council, therefore, initiated an anti-illegal mining operation in the Adiewoso community of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality where the rubber plantation is located.
The joint operation conducted on August 21, 2025, involved personnel from the Second Infantry Battalion, the Police, and National Security operatives.
The operation led to the arrest of 12 illegal miners, including one female and 11 males.
It also led to the seizure of two tricycles and one motorcycle, and the destruction of 25 chanfang machines.
Western Regional Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musa Whajah (Rtd), said, “The operation, which focused on Adiewoso and Tetreim, yielded significant results”.
“We are committed to sustaining this operation. This viable company cannot afford to be crippled by low production, because of the activities of illegal miners,” he noted.
The retired military officer also called on the rubber processing company to engage with the residents from time to time to educate on the negative impact illegal would have on the company’s operations.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi