WN/R: Police Commander tries to free galamsey suspects arrested by forest officers in Bibiani forest district

The Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Forestry Commission conducted an operation in the Upper Wassaw Forest Reserve. This took place in the Bibiani Forest District. They arrested individuals involved in illegal mining at Amenase on May 17, 2025, around 1 PM.

When the RRT arrived, the illegal miners fled. They left behind an excavator with chassis number 1148/8137457-00 and model number SE 2151-KLC. The authorities seized this equipment.

Later, two men claimed ownership of the excavator and mining site. They were identified as Kwabena Anyimade and Kweku Asuama Atobrah. Both were immediately arrested.

While transporting them to Bibiani Police Station, they were intercepted by Supt Bernard Morgan. He is the District Police Commander for Diaso. Alhassan from the FPU was also present and ordered their release.

Supt Morgan stated they acted on orders from Municipal Chief Executive Ebenezer Appiah Forson. However, the RRT insisted on following legal procedures and refused an out-of-court settlement.

As a result, Supt Morgan and Alhassan were handed over to Diaso police for investigation and prosecution. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to locate the seized excavator. It was discovered that unidentified individuals had taken it away to an unknown location.