The Forestry Commission of Ghana led a joint enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of four individuals allegedly engaged in illegal mining within the Bonsa River Forest Reserve. A Citi Newsroom report indicates that the operation took place near Tarkwa in the Western Region after authorities received intelligence regarding encroachment on protected land.
During the raid the enforcement team discovered active mining sites that had caused significant damage to the forest cover. According to a Daily Graphic report the suspects were found operating heavy machinery and using chemicals to process ore. Officials from the Forestry Commission confirmed that the suspects were not in possession of valid mining licenses or environmental permits.
Security forces seized several items at the scene including two excavators and water pumping machines used for alluvial mining. A GhanaWeb report states that the equipment was moved to a secure location as evidence for the pending prosecution. The suspects remain in police custody while investigators work to identify the financiers behind the illegal operation.
Forestry officials informed the media that the Bonsa River Forest Reserve has faced increasing pressure from illegal miners who pollute local water bodies. The suspects are expected to be arraigned before a circuit court in Tarkwa to face charges related to unauthorized mining in a forest reserve and environmental degradation. The Forestry Commission emphasized that it will continue regular patrols to protect national assets.