Excavator operator, Ahmed Nuhu, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service after he was caught by officials of the Akim Oda Forestry Commission engaging in illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, in the Apranum Forest.
The suspect, together with several others who are currently on the run, invaded the Apranum forest reserve close to the Asante Akyem area on the Pra River with two excavators, degrading the forest.
Acting on intelligence, the Assistant District Manager of the Akim Oda Forestry Commission, Richmond Amo-Adjei, together with forestry guards, swooped in on them right in the act and managed to arrest Ahmed Nuhu, his accomplices; however, they took to their heels and entered the forest.
Confirming the arrest to the media, Richmond Amo-Adjei, who indicated that the two excavators had been confiscated, says the suspect has also been handed over to the Dwaso police, who have taken over the investigations to get those who are currently on the run.
“We went for a community walk in Kade. While we were returning, we got the hint that some persons were within the forest engaging in galamsey. So, yesterday, we, together with our Rapid Response Team, went there to verify the hint we had earlier. We also realised that there were more people than we were told.
The people managed to clear two hectares of land, and they had two excavators on site, engaging in illegal mining.
“As we almost got there, those operating the changfans on the river nearby saw us and quickly spread the news that there was an operation going on. But we were quick to arrest one of the excavator operators,” he stated.
He, however, cautioned recalcitrant illegal miners who are operating within forest reserves to vacate.
