The Nkawie Forestry Division has confiscated about 15 excavators being used for illegal mining in the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti region.
It follows a tip-off that excavators had been deployed into the Nkawie Forest Reserve to continue the very activities the government is working tirelessly to halt at Nkawie/Anwiafutu areas.
security personnel at Offinso Shelter Belt Forest Reserves
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, in a follow up with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Security and Forestry personnel, visited the area to familiarise himself with the situation on the ground, in a bid to save the Forests and Water bodies.
He condemned the illegal operations and described it as environmental vandalism of the highest order, saying it is a crime against nature and humanity.
He stated that with the unwavering support of Dr. Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister and Dr. Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister who deployed the military to the forests to clamp down on the illegal operations, they will continue to fight against the illegality.
He indicated that they have also arrested seven Chinese nationals and eight Ghanaians who were mining illegally on the River Ankobra last weekend.
According to him, investigations are ongoing and working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Minister noted that the galamsey menace is not just a threat, but it is an existential crisis that undermines the very foundation of our environment, health and future, and noted that government cannot win the battle alone.
He said his ministry, in collaboration with key agencies, especially the Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission and the support of allied ministries, is ensuring that their efforts are coordinated to address the devastating crisis.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister cautioned that armed miners will not be tolerated and vowed to decentralise the fight, emphasising that legal mining pathways exist, but illegal activities in forest reserves will not be permitted.
The Minister also cautioned bank rollers of illegal mining activities and those who attack journalists in their line of duty.
