Environmental IssuesGeneral NewsMining

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

In a recent operation, officials from the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with Operation Halt II, targeted illegal mining activities commonly known as “galamsey” within the Atewa Forest Reserve.

Upon receiving reports of such activities, the Commission deployed teams to investigate. They discovered mining operations affecting approximately 0.6 hectares of the forest reserve. Although no individuals were present at the site during the raid, the team found and demobilized equipment, including an excavator, to prevent further illegal activities.

This action aligns with the government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal mining in protected areas. In October 2024, the government announced plans to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462), reinforcing the ban on all forms of mining in water bodies and forest reserves. Law enforcement agencies have been mandated to enforce this ban strictly.

The Atewa Forest Reserve is a critical ecosystem in Ghana, known for its rich biodiversity and as a vital water source. The Forestry Commission has expressed its commitment to reclaiming and restoring areas of the forest affected by illegal mining activities. They are collaborating with security agencies to ensure the protection of the country’s forest reserves from further degradation.

These measures reflect the government’s dedication to preserving natural resources and deterring illegal mining operations that threaten environmental sustainability.

 

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