Illegal mining activities, commonly known as Galamsey, have intensified within the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve, with heavily armed miners reportedly preventing Ghana’s Forestry Commission from accessing the area.
According to JoyNews journalist Erasmus Asare Donkor, members of the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission were blocked by these illegal miners, who have taken control of sections of the forest. The armed men allegedly barricaded the entrance, refusing the officers entry into the reserve, raising concerns over the rule of law and environmental protection efforts in the area.
“These thugs are mining illegally in the forest. Today, THEY PREVENTED THE RAPID RESPONSE TEAM OF THE FORESTRY COMMISSION FROM ASSESING THE FOREST.
Members of the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry commission were refused entry into the reserve by these armed men who have barricaded the entrance.” Erasmus Asare Donkor reported on Facebook.
The Offin Shelter Belt, a critical forest reserve meant to preserve biodiversity and protect water bodies, has been under siege by illegal miners for months now. Despite repeated crackdowns by authorities, the situation appears to be worsening, with miners now directly confronting law enforcement agencies
Local environmentalists and community leaders have called for urgent intervention from the government and security forces to address the growing threats to Ghana’s natural resources. The forestry commission has yet to issue any official statement on the incident.
As the illegal mining continues to destroy forests and water bodies across the country, the government faves increasing pressure to strengthen enforcement and take decisive action against those engaged in such activities.
Source: Erasmus Asare Donkor(Joynews)
See post below.
https://www.facebook.com/538173675/posts/10162899014838676/