The Forestry Commission has arrested a group of illegal miners who continued their activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western Region after evading an earlier military and Rapid Response raid.
The operation followed promptings from JoyNews, leading to the arrest of three Chinese miners operating excavators and eight Ghanaians. The suspects have been handed over to the Enchi District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Authorities also seized three excavators, one of which has already been transported to the Enchi District Assembly.
A formal complaint has been filed with the police to facilitate legal action against the suspects.
The Tano Anwia, Tano Nimri, and Boin Tano Forest Reserves have been under threat from armed groups engaging in illegal mining.
Drone footage has revealed severe environmental degradation in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve within weeks of invasion by illegal miners.
The Forestry Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s forest reserves and intensifying efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
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