Illegal mining activities popularly called “galamsey” are said to have been intensified in unprecedented levels in various parts of the country, including forest reserves.
This comes on the back of claims by the Mahama-led government that the menace is being brought under control through the rolling up of various interventions.
However, observations made by the award-winning journalist, Erastus Asare-Donkor, in his recent Facebook posts, have been painting a gloomy picture about the country’s attempt to effectively contain the situation.
‘Fake arrests’
For example, two Chinese and two Ghanaian illegal miners who were arrested in the Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western region a few days ago have been released and are back into the forest to continue with their activities.
According to the Kumasi-based journalist, they were arrested during an operation conducted by the Rapid Response team of the forestry commission and the Police following media reports about active mining in some forest reserves including the Tano Anwia Forest reserve despite government’s efforts.
Two excavators and one pick up vehicle were seized. These illegal miners just ambushed and attacked members of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team, wounding one critically.
“A member of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team is struggling for his life after being slashed in the Knee with a machete by armed illegal miners in the Offin Shelter belt Forest reserve. The team was ambushed by the miners carrying assault rifles and machetes. The officer who is yet to be identified is in a critical condition at the KATH”, Mr. Asare-Donkor said in one of his recent posts.
Birim North drama
In Akoasi in the Birim North District, the journalist recounts how Chinese miners have been mining in the Kyemkyemso and Gyaare forests.
According to him, local authorities have seen it but have done nothing about it.
“The Youth today, decided to use their citizen arrest to intervene. They arrested these Chinese and handed them over to the Nkawkaw District police. As at 10pm today, the Chinese have been released. The youth have been kept at the station to write their statement. Please is the Ghana Police Service exempted from the Galamsey fight? I’m asking for a friend?”, he posted.
