Ten illegal miners have been arrested by a joint military and forest task force during an operation in the Boin Forest Reserve, located in the Aowin Municipality near the Ivory Coast border.
The operation was led by the Enchi Forest District of the Forestry Commission in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces. The suspects were apprehended for engaging in unlawful mining activities, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’, within the protected forest area.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Joe Appiah Frimpong, the Manager of the Enchi Forest Division, confirmed the arrests and disclosed that the suspects have been handed over to the Enchi Police for further investigation and prosecution.
“These individuals were caught red-handed mining illegally in the Boin Forest Reserve, a vital ecological zone bordering Ivory Coast. We have handed them over to the police for the necessary legal action,” Mr. Frimpong stated.
He stressed that the Forestry Commission remains resolute in its commitment to protecting forest reserves from illegal mining and other destructive activities.
“Let this serve as a warning to others engaging in such illegal acts. We will not relent. Our forest reserves must be protected for future generations,” he warned.
The Boin Forest Reserve, like many others across the country, continues to face threats from illegal miners, posing serious risks to the environment and biodiversity.
Authorities say operations to clamp down on these activities will be intensified in the coming weeks.
