We’ll patrol relentlessly to stop rebuilding of galamsey camp – FC's W/Regional Manager

Nana Poku Bosompim is the Western Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission. He has promised that illegal miners will not return to recently destroyed slums.

He spoke on JoyNews' Newsfile after demolishing illegal mining camps. These included Abrewa Ne Nkran, Jerusalem, and another near Wassa Nkran. The Forestry Commission, with military support, is implementing strict surveillance and patrols.

Mr. Bosompim noted this was not the first demolition of such slums. There have been at least three previous raids. Each time, miners regrouped and returned more determined than before.

After clearing the area, officials found some laying concrete foundations. This was a change from their usual wooden structures.

To stop illegal miners from returning, the Forestry Commission has a new strategy. It focuses on sustained ground patrols and military collaboration. Real-time surveillance will also be used to monitor the area.

The operation at Abrewa Ne Nkran occurred around 3:00 am under darkness. Officers from the Ghana Armed Forces’ Southern Command provided security and tactical support.

Mr. Bosompim explained that intelligence indicated armed gangs controlled these camps. They had resisted previous eviction efforts successfully.

Initially, they estimated 1,500 to 2,000 occupants in the camps. However, drone surveillance revealed thousands more than expected. It was like a hidden city right next to our protected forest.