By Clara Mlano
Some mining equipment found at the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region, alleged to be used for illegal mining activities, have been demobilised on January 30, 2023.
This followed a tip-off of suspected mining activities in the reserve where it was discovered that a portion of the forest reserve, approximately zero point six hectares had been affected.
In a statement, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Joseph Allotey, said his outfit deployed its men to the Reserve immediately after it received reports to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the reports.
Though officials of the Forestry Commission found the main operations of the faceless people outside the Forest Reserve, it has initiated steps to reclaim portions of the destroyed Forest Reserve.
In the meantime, the Commission says it is working closely with Operation Halt II to ensure no illegal mining activity takes place in the Atewa Forest Reserve.
The incident has been reported at the Kyebi District Police Station. The Commission says it will work with the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
