A/R Anti-illegal Mining Taskforce claims to have rid all forest reserves of illegal mining

The Ashanti Regional Anti-illegal Mining Task Force aims to eliminate illegal mining in forest reserves.

Captain (Retired) John Kwame Jabari, the Acting Regional Security Coordinator, reports positive results from their operations.

He stated, “All forest reserves in the Ashanti Region are free of illegal mining. We now focus on reclaiming these areas.”

Recently, the task force conducted raids in Offinso Shelterbelt and Kotokuom Forests. During these raids, an illegal miner attacked a member of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team with a machete.

The Rapid Response Team was trying to stop illegal miners in Offinso Shelterbelt when they were ambushed. The officer sustained knee injuries from the attack.

Following this incident, the Ashanti Regional Anti-illegal Mining Task Force raided the forest. Captain Jabari mentioned that some excavators were demobilized for removal during this operation.

The task force has been actively combating illegal mining in forests and water bodies, resulting in several arrests.

“We removed control boards and batteries from excavators,” he said. “Tomorrow, we will bring lowbed trucks to transport them away.”

Captain Jabari emphasized that all forests are now free of illegal miners. He explained that recent incidents involved new groups arriving with machines.

However, Environmental Journalist Erastus Asare Donkor disputes this claim. He stated that stability in Bekwai Forest is due to previous efforts by local authorities.

Donkor noted that police actions have made Bekwai a no-go area for illegal miners. He also mentioned other locations like Watreso and Abenkro still face issues with illegal mining.

In response, the anti-illegal mining task force plans 24-hour surveillance to combat ongoing activities.

“We have information about evening operations by some miners,” Captain Jabari said.

He added that next week they will invite media representatives to showcase reclaimed forests taken back from illegal miners.