The Forestry Commission at Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region has arrested an illegal miner operating within the Pra- Anum Forest Reserve.
The operation, led by the Assistant District Manager, Mr. Richmond Amo-Adjei, followed an intelligence report about illegal mining activities in the forest reserve, which lies close to the Asante Akyem area along the Pra River.
According to Mr. Amo-Adjei, his team of forestry guards swiftly moved to the scene and managed to arrest an excavator operator identified as Ahmed Nuhu, while other members of the illegal mining gang fled the area, abandoning two excavators which have been confiscated.
The suspect has since been handed over to the Dwaso Police for further investigations aimed at apprehending the remaining culprits.
In an interview, Mr. Amo-Adjei warned illegal miners to stay away from the Pranum Forest Reserve, stressing that it is a protected area and any unlawful entry for mining or other destructive activities will not be tolerated.
He also urged residents in nearby communities to report any suspicious activity within the forest to the Forestry Commission to help preserve the natural environment.
The Forestry Commission says it will intensify patrols in the area to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
