The Forestry Commission has in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, arrested 71 illegal miners operating in forest reserves.
The Commission has also seized some mining equipment, including 55 excavators, 3 bulldozers, 3 pick-up trucks, 4 pump-action rifles, 11 motorbikes, and other related materials.
In a statement signed by the Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Hugh C. A. Brown, said the illegal miners are currently facing criminal prosecution.
The Commission also addressed concerns surrounding nine previously designated “no-go” areas where armed groups had hindered their operations.
It refuted media reports that have questioned the effectiveness of its efforts to combat illegal mining within the nation’s forest reserves.
Successful clearance of illegal miners
According to the statement, the Forestry Commission, working alongside the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources and the military, has successfully cleared seven of these nine reserves within the last three weeks.
This operation resulted in the dismantling of illegal mining activities and the arrest of numerous individuals.
Key regions affected
These operations were primarily concentrated in the Ashanti, Western North, and Western Regions, areas heavily affected by illegal mining activities.
While acknowledging that the fight against illegal mining is ongoing and presents continuous challenges, the Forestry Commission emphasized the significance of its recent accomplishments.
It maintained that these achievements, realized within a short period, demonstrated the substantial effort and resources invested in this battle.
The Commission stressed that these actions represent critical steps towards the ultimate goal of eradicating illegal mining.
Stakeholder collaboration
The Forestry Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and natural resources.
It assured the public that, along with the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, the Commission is fully dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure victory in this fight.
The Commission called for continued collaboration with all stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
