Forestry Commission officials burn 4 excavators used for galamsey in Atewa Forest Reserve

Forestry Commission has decommissioned mining activities in portions of the Atewa Forest by burning four excavators at Obuohu Fante in the Ayensuano districts of the Eastern Region.

They believe the miners who were on the fringes of the forest have gradually expanded operations into portions of the Atewa Forest range.

The Team Lead of an environmental non-governmental organization, A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu posted on his Facebook that the action by the Forestry commission is justified.

“These illegal operators initially begin their activities on the fringes of the forest and emboldened by impunity, gradually expanded their operations into the forest. This pattern has unfortunately become a common tactic among illegal miners in recent times,” he stated.

He added “We applaud the Forestry Commission for their unwavering zero tolerance approach to illegal mining in the Atewa Forest and reaffirm our commitment to support their crucial effort every step of the way. Securing Atewa Forest is vital for water, climate and community well-being. ”

But tension is high in Obuohu Fante, following the burning of the four excavators at a mining site in the Atewa forest range. Local residents are suspecting forestry officials and are demanding answers.

” This is our livelihood, we can’t stop, they were only mining in the buffer and not inside the forest ”

In response to the incident, the Head of the Eastern Regional Security Council, Rita Adjei Awatey has announced an investigation will be launched into the action.

She also urged the residents to engage in responsible mining practices as the inquiry unfolds.

“I do not have full knowledge of who or which institutions that carried out the exercise, we would initiate investigation to understand which laws you have flouted. ”

“Our government insists on responsible mining, stay away from forest reserve, reclaim lands, avoid water bodies” She cautioned.

She toured other mining sites at Ayinam and Osino to assess the extent of damage by irresponsible mining.

Four others were picked up at the Osino and Ayinam mining sites by the police for questioning. Meanwhile, President John Mahama has promised to revoke all license for mining in forest reserves.

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