The Forestry Commission recently made an arrest in the fight against illegal mining, also known as ‘Galamsey’, in the Anhwiaso East Forest Reserve in Bibiani, Western North Region. A 49-year-old Chinese man named Lin Chil was apprehended, with 20 other illegal miners managing to escape. Two excavators were also immobilized during the operation.
According to the Manager of Corporate Affairs and Media Relations of the FC, Mrs. Joyce Ofori Kwafo, the operation was carried out by the staff of the Bibiani Forest District in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team of the FC. The aim was to address illegal mining activities in the forest reserve.
Mrs. Kwafo revealed that the FC task force received information about illegal miners being protected by heavily armed men, including a retired military officer, ex-Warrant Officer Daniel Antwi. This prompted the operation to take place in the Manse Community portion of the reserve.
In addition to the recent arrest, Mrs. Kwafo highlighted a previous incident in which military officers, providing security services for Mensin Gold Bibiani Limited, threatened FC staff after an operation to immobilize gold processing equipment. She called on the Ghana Armed Forces to investigate the conduct of these officers and take appropriate action.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kwafo mentioned a previous arrest of nine individuals, including the Chief of Manse, for illegal mining in the same reserve. Despite being released on bail, the suspects have not yet been arraigned in court, with the case docket forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for review.
Mrs. Kwafo urged the AG Department to expedite the process and prosecute the arrested suspects as a deterrent to potential offenders. The ongoing efforts by the FC demonstrate a commitment to tackling illegal mining activities and preserving the natural resources of Ghana.
