In line with its core mandate to protect Ghana’s forests and natural reserves from illegal miners and chainsaw operators, the Western Regional Forestry Commission, in collaboration with the Bekwai Forestry Commission, has arrested four Ghanaian illegal miners in the Subri Forest Reserve at Wassa Essaman in the Wassa East District of the Western Region.

The commission also set ablaze three excavators used by the illegal miners.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Richard Adjei Binefoh, the Western Regional Public Relations Officer of the Forestry Commission, explained that they had gathered intelligence about the activities of the illegal miners in the Subri Forest. 

Acting swiftly, they organised a team and laid ambush, resulting in the arrest of the four individuals.

He disclosed that the four suspects have been handed over to the Sekondi-Takoradi Regional Police Command for further interrogation.

The Forestry Commission has issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in forest reserves, emphasising that the commission will not rest until the forests are fully protected.