W/R: Illegal miners begin reconstructing raided settlement

The military recently raided an illegal settlement at Abrewa Ne Nkran. This area is in the Takoradi Forest Reserve district of the Western region. After the raid, some illegal miners returned to rebuild their structures.

JoyNews’ correspondent, Ina-Thalia Quansah, reported on this situation. She noted that the military could not fully dismantle the settlement due to a fuel shortage. They left but returned on Tuesday, April 15, to continue their operation.

Upon their return, they found individuals reconstructing the illegal settlement. Quansah stated that when the military first demolished structures, they ran out of fuel. This allowed some wooden structures to remain standing.

When the military returned, it was clear that miners had come back. Quansah believes they returned as soon as the team left.

Food vendors whose items were destroyed also resumed their illegal trade at the site.

Nana Kwabena Bosompim oversees operations for the Forestry Commission in the Western Region. He confirmed that illegal miners have started rebuilding their structures.

He described the settlement as "completely illegal" and "not a community." He added that it operates under a "gang" or "mafia system," with no community leaders involved.

Bosompim mentioned there are more illegal settlements in untouched forests. His officers identified another settlement and are assessing it for further action.

He assured the public that efforts will continue to remove illegal miners from the forest. The Abrewa Ne Nkran settlement is known for various illicit activities beyond mining, including drug abuse and child exploitation.