GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
In a crackdown on illegal mining, or “galamsey,” four individuals have been arrested for mining in the Subri Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Western Region. The suspects, aged between 23 and 40, are identified as Emmanuel Adawusu, Shadrack Yowson, Innusah Yussif, and Issah Seidu. They are currently in police custody.
The arrests followed an operation by the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Forestry Commission (FC) aimed at combating illegal mining. Authorities seized five pump-action guns, 77 cartridges, and four excavators, which were destroyed to prevent further mining activities.
Theodore Banodyele, District Manager of the Forestry Services Division in Takoradi, confirmed the arrests, noting that the suspects, who were armed and guarding the excavators, attempted to flee when law enforcement arrived. The suspects have been charged with illegal possession of firearms and will face trial in the Takoradi Circuit Court.
The operation uncovered 1.5 hectares of land destroyed by mining in the forest reserve. Banodyele emphasized the FC’s commitment to restoring the damaged area and warned illegal miners to stop their destructive activities, citing their negative impact on the environment and Ghana’s economic progress.
Illegal mining has caused significant environmental harm in Ghana, including the destruction of forests, contamination of water bodies, and soil degradation. In response, over 30 organizations recently joined a six-hour campaign led by Channel One TV, urging the government to impose a temporary ban on illegal mining to address these severe consequences.
