The Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region has arrested 10 individuals, including four Chinese nationals and two policemen, for engaging in illegal mining in the Krokosua Forest Reserve. 

The arrested Chinese nationals were Men Shi Yu (30), Wen Yong Cheng (30), Wen Fu Lin (58), and Lee Pin (60).

Their Ghanaian collaborators were Edward Owusu (25), Kwesi Frank (42), Abudu Dramani (41), and Joe Naburi (27).

The two police officers, Detective Sergeant Yahaya Andrews and Lance Corporal Azantillow, are believed to have been shielding the illegal miners.

During the operation, Detective Sergeant Yahaya Andrews claimed that Chief Inspector Adusei Negga had ordered them to patrol the Kokosua Forest Reserve near Asempaneye, where they were stationed.

The joint operation also involved burning 10 excavators used by the illegal miners.

The Krokosua Forest Reserve has been under threat from illegal miners, leading to extensive destruction.

This arrest follows a broader effort by the Forestry Commission to combat illegal mining activities in forest reserves across the country.

A similar operation took place in the Anwiaso East Forest Reserve on November 29, 2023, resulting in the arrest of 10 illegal miners and the destruction of their equipment. 

Mr Samuel Darko-Akonor, the Coordinator of the Rapid Response Unit, issued a warning to individuals engaged in illegal mining in forest reserves, emphasising the commitment to safeguarding forests and water bodies. 

The Executive Director of the Forest Services Division urged collective efforts to address the threat posed by illegal mining within forest reserves.