Illegal slums serving galamsey operators razed down – Western Region Forestry Boss

Nana Poku Bosompim, the Western Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, confirmed a successful operation. Major illegal slums were demolished in the region. These slums had been safe havens for illegal mining activities.

Mr. Bosompim spoke on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, April 19. He mentioned that slums like Abrewa Ne Nkran and Jerusalem were destroyed during a coordinated raid. Another slum near Wassa Nkran was also eradicated.

He has been in his role for just two months. His predecessor had flagged these areas as major threats. Previous raids had occurred, but residents always regrouped afterward. Determined to stop this, Mr. Bosompim made it his top priority.

"My priority was to remove the slum," he said. "We quickly formed a team with support from the General Officer Commanding Southern Command." Officers assisted forestry officers during last week's operation. They successfully raided and eradicated three major camps.

"Today, I can confirm those illegal slums are gone," he stated. They now lie in desolate ruins.

Mr. Bosompim noted that the slum attracted not only Ghanaian miners but also nationals from eight West African countries.

Despite the raid's success, he warned of potential reoccupation. “Just a day after razing the area, we saw attempts to rebuild,” he said. They were using cement blocks instead of wood this time.

To prevent these settlements from returning, the Forestry Commission has introduced new strategies. Regular patrols and tighter surveillance will be implemented. “We’re not going to let this happen again,” Mr. Bosompim emphasized. The goal is to ensure these camps are never rebuilt again.