A/R: Forestry Officer injured in armed attack by illegal miners in Offin

A member of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team is in critical condition after being attacked by armed illegal miners in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.

The officer sustained a severe machete wound to his knee after the miners, reportedly armed with rifles and machetes, ambushed the team during an operation to halt fresh illegal mining activities.

Before entering the reserve, the team had recorded footage of armed individuals manning a barrier at the forest's entrance.

However, as they moved deeper into the area, they were met with an ambush by a group of miners hiding in the bush.

The injured officer is currently receiving medical treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

The Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve has been a known hotspot for illegal mining, which continues to endanger Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.

The Forestry Commission, in collaboration with security agencies, has been working to curb the destruction of these protected areas through ongoing operations.

Authorities have yet to comment on the attack or confirm any arrests related to the incident.