Enchi: A joint operation by the Forestry Commission and the Military led to the seizure of nine excavators and one bulldozer engaged in illegal mining activities within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Enchi Forest District, located in the Western North Region. The operation, which took place on Sunday, also resulted in the arrest of four individuals in Compartments 17 and 20.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Enchi District of the Forest Services Division (FSD) issued a statement detailing the sequence of events leading up to the joint operation. On Tuesday, 4th March, the operational staff from the Enchi Forest District, along with the Rapid Response Team, initially intervened in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve following a tip-off. During this intervention, they drove out 12 excavators involved in illegal mining but were unable to make any arrests due to being outnumbered and facing armed miners.
The statement further explained that intelligence reports on Thursday, 6th March, indicated that the illegal miners were planning a return to the Forest Reserve. The team acted swiftly to prevent re-entry. However, on Saturday, 8th March, despite receiving a tip-off about the miners' return, the team faced resistance as the miners were heavily armed and refused to vacate the premises with their equipment.
The incident gained significant attention on social media, prompting the deployment of a joint team to enforce the law and seize the excavators. The seized machinery has been transported to the Enchi District Assembly premises, and a formal complaint has been lodged with the Enchi District Police Command.
