The Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission has arrested 10 illegal miners in the Anwiaso East Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The team carried out a targeted operation in the forest on Wednesday, November 29 that led to the arrest of the suspects.
This was aimed at tackling illegal mining activities that are destroying the forest reserve.
Chief of Manse, Nana Kwame Sobre II, was part of the 10 and is said to be the leader of the group.
The rest are Osman Shaibu, Nana Kwasi, Desmond Nkrumah, Abraham Donkor, Frank Mensah, Richard Kurofie, Patrick Ayambila, Abdul Salam and Rasad Nuoeeikaa.
The team further dismantled and set two excavators on fire as well as two heavy-duty electrical plants found at the illegal mining site.
The team dismantled and set fire to two excavators and two heavy-duty electrical plants found at the illegal mining site.
The suspects have been sent to the Dunkwa Police Station from where they will be processed for court.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Rapid Response Unit at the Forestry Commission Headquarters, Mr. Darko-Akonor, issued a stern warning to all those engaged in such activities.
He emphasised the unit’s commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.
“The unit is ever prepared to carry the fight to them in order to save the forest and water bodies,” he said.