CSOs condemn arrest of Forestry officer, demand action against illegal mining

A coalition of civil society groups and environmental advocates has condemned the arrest of a Forestry Commission officer enforcing anti-illegal mining laws in the Atewa Forest.

In a statement on March 7, the group called the arrest an abuse of power that undermines efforts to combat illegal mining.

The officer, part of the Rapid Response Task Force, was reportedly manhandled while stopping mining operations near Obuoho.

The coalition accused Kyebi Police of protecting illegal miners instead of enforcing the law.

They demanded the removal of Eastern-South Police Commander DCOP George Boadi Bossman and Divisional Police Commander ACP Reynolds Sam for failing to tackle illegal mining.

The group warned that without decisive action, illegal mining will continue to threaten water bodies, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.