Atewa Forest Reserve: Forestry Commission says 55 illegal miners arrested in six months
The Atewa Forest Reserve, in the eastern region of Ghana, is internationally recognized as one of the highest priority ecosystems in West Africa.
The Forestry Commission says its surveillance task force, has arrested 55 illegal miners in the Atewa Forest Reserve between October 2021 and March 2022.
The task force according to the Commission, carried out 15 operations within the said period.
“In the last six months, Forestry Commission staff in the Eastern Region, together with the military and police have conducted 15-night operations in the Atewa Forest Reserve,” said Madam Joyce Ofori Kwafo, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Media Relations.
Out of the 55 that were arrested, 11 of them are said to have been sentenced while the rest have their cases pending before the Circuit Court B, in Koforidua.
In addition, the Commission said it seized 16 pumping machines, four chainsaw machines, and two locally manufactured guns during the period.
The Atewa Forest Reserve, in the eastern region of Ghana, is internationally recognized as one of the highest priority ecosystems in West Africa for its high species diversity, high levels of endemism and great hydrological importance.
There have been concerns and arrests over time, regarding mining in the Atewa Forest Reserve.
In May 2021, the Daily Graphic reported 19 persons, including national security operatives were arrested for illegal mining in the forest reserve.
Currently, before the High Court, there is an ongoing trial challenging the government’s intentions to mine bauxite in certain parts of the forest reserve.
