In an intelligence-led operation in the Upper Wassaw Forest Reserve in the Bibiani Forest District, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Forestry Commission has arrested individuals involved in illegal mining in an area called Amenase in the forest.

The arrests took place on May 17, 2025, at about 1 PM.

Initially when the RRT arrived at the site, the illegal miners (galamseyers) fled. They left behind an excavator with chassis number 1148/8137457-00, and model number SE 2151-KLC, which was seized by the authorities.

Later, two men identified as Kwabena Anyimade and Kweku Asuama Atobrah came claiming to be owners of the excavator and illegal mining site. They were immediately arrested.

In the process of transporting the two to Bibiani Police Station, Supt Bernard Morgan, the District Police Commander for Diaso, and one Alhassan of the FPU intercepted the team, ordering for the release of the suspects.

Supt Morgan revealed they were acting on the orders of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Ebenezer Appiah Forson.

However, the RRT were insistent on the law taking its course, declining an out-of-court settlement.

Thus, Supt Morgan and Alhassan were handed over to Diaso police for further investigation and prosecution.

Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched into tracing and finding the seized excavator which the RRT discovered had been taken away by unidentified individuals to an unknown place.