The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team raided an illegal mining (galamsey) camp in the Subri Forest Reserve in the Western Region, leading to the arrest of four armed miners. The suspects, all Ghanaians, were found operating in a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area, causing extensive damage to the forest while searching for gold. The raid resulted in the seizure of five pump-action guns, 77 rounds of ammunition, and the burning of three excavators.
The miners, identified as Innussah Yussif, Issah Seidu, Shadrack Yowson, and Emmanuel Adawusu, are believed to have been backed by influential figures. The illegal mining operation has caused severe environmental degradation in the region, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems.
The operation, part of a joint effort within the Takoradi Forest District, is intended to combat the increasing levels of illegal mining in forest reserves across Ghana. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the damage and have pledged to crack down on illegal mining activities across the country.