Following intelligence reports of ongoing illegal mining activities in the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve in the Western region, the NAIMOS task force conducted a comprehensive operation to flush out miners engaged in the illegal practice.
The operation covered a distance of approximately 50 kilometres within the forest. Despite thick shrubs and muddy terrain, the task force carried out a robust foot patrol that led to the arrest of 28 young male locals, all Ghanaians, actively involved in illegal mining. Their activities had caused significant devastation to portions of the forest.
Some of the illegal miners fled upon sighting the task force, but 28 suspects were apprehended, and several items were seized.
During the operation, several makeshift structures belonging to the miners were destroyed and an excavator found within the forest reserve was immobilised to prevent further use.
Items seized during the operation included seven water pumping machines, sixteen shovels, one pickaxe, seventeen pieces of wrapped Indian hemp, seven torch lights, twelve mobile phones, three mini bottles of mercury, cash amounting to GH¢150, assorted malaria drugs, and sachets of packed whisky (Alomo Bitters).
All 28 suspects, together with the seized equipment and exhibits, were handed over to the Agona-Nkwanta District Police Station to commence prosecution proceedings.
The NAIMOS Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing the destruction of water bodies.
It cautioned all individuals involved in illegal mining to desist immediately, warning that such enforcement operations will continue until the practice is completely eradicated.
Source: Erastus Asare Donkor
