Following reports of alleged illegal mining activities in the Atewa forest reserve in the Eastern Region, yesterday, the Forestry Commission immediately deployed officials to comb the forest to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the reports. A statement signed by the Executive Director of the Commission said, after thoroughly combing the forest, officials identified a mining operation outside the forest reserve which has affected a portion of the forest reserve, measuring approximately 0.6 h.
The destroyed forest
It said, no person was found in that portion of the forest reserve, but the commission however found some equipment including an excavator in this part of the forest reserve. “The commission has demobilized all equipment found in the forest reserve. The Commission is working with Operation Halt II to ensure no illegal mining activity takes place in the forest reserve. In the meantime, the Commission will take the necessary steps to reclaim a portion of the forest reserve that was affected by this illegal activity” the statement said.
The destroyed forest
According to the statement, the Commission has already reported the incident to the Kyebi District Police Station and will work with the Police and other law enforcement agencies to find the perpetrators of these illegalities and take the necessary action against them. The Commission assures the general public of its continuous commitment to working with all stakeholders to protect all forest reserves in the country.