In a joint operation, the Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Police Service have arrested two Chinese nationals and two Ghanaians for engaging in illegal mining within the Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality.
The operation done on Thursday, March 20 was prompted by investigative reports from Joy kNews, which exposed ongoing mining activities in forest reserves despite the government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
During the raid, authorities seized two excavators and a pickup vehicle, which were being used for illegal mining activities.
The Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene together with Regional Anti-galamsey taskforce, comprising National Security, Police, Mineral Commission and Environmental Protection Agency conducted am operation stop galamsey at New Ebudiase along the Pra River in which dozens of chemicals, weapons and some excavators were also seized. The team seized 7 excavators, demobolized 5 excavators, 2 Generators, 2 motor bikes, pump action guns and other mining equipment. Seized items were brought to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.