The Akyem Oda District Office of the Forestry Commission in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region has arrested an illegal mining (galamsey) operator, Ahmed Nuhu, for unlawfully entering the Pranum Forest Reserve to conduct mining activities.

The arrest was led by the Assistant District Manager, Mr. Richmond Amo-Adjei, following a tip-off that illegal miners had encroached on the forest reserve near the Asante Akyem section of the Pra River.

Upon receiving the intel, Mr. Amo-Adjei and his team of forestry guards swiftly moved to the area, where they found the illegal miners in operation.

While most of the suspects managed to flee the scene, the team successfully apprehended excavator operator Ahmed Nuhu and seized two excavator machines left behind in the forest.

The suspect has since been handed over to the Dwaso Police, under whose jurisdiction the forest reserve falls, to assist in investigations and help identify and arrest his accomplices.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Amo-Adjei issued a strong warning to illegal miners, cautioning them to stay away from the Pranum Forest Reserve, which remains a protected area.

He urged residents in nearby communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or environmental destruction to the Forestry Commission.

“This forest is a no-go area for galamsey.

We will not relent in our efforts to protect it. Anyone found destroying our natural resources will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The arrest adds to ongoing efforts by the Forestry Commission to curb illegal mining and safeguard the country’s dwindling forest reserves.