In a bold and decisive move, the Akyem Oda District Office of the Forestry Commission has disrupted illegal mining operations deep within the Pranum Forest Reserve, underscoring the agency’s unrelenting fight against galamsey activities in protected areas.
The operation, which took place near the Asante Akyem section of the Pra River in the Eastern Region’s Birim Central Municipality, was led by Assistant District Manager Richmond Amo-Adjei. Acting on a credible tip-off, Amo-Adjei and a team of armed forestry guards stormed the site and confronted a group of illegal miners mid-operation.
Although most of the suspects fled into the forest to evade arrest, the team succeeded in apprehending 29-year-old excavator operator Ahmed Nuhu and impounding two heavy-duty excavators left behind at the scene.
The arrested suspect has since been handed over to the Dwaso Police, who are expected to lead further investigations and assist in identifying other members of the illegal mining syndicate.
Speaking after the operation, Mr. Amo-Adjei reaffirmed the Forestry Commission’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s forest reserves. “We are sending a clear message: the Pranum Forest Reserve is off-limits. We will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect our environment,” he said.
He further called on local communities to become active stakeholders in forest protection by reporting illegal activities and serving as watchdogs for the reserve.
The successful raid highlights ongoing national efforts to combat illegal mining, which continues to threaten water bodies, biodiversity, and ecological balance across Ghana.
