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The Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission has arrested 28 Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians after foiling an attempt to engage in illegal mining in the Apamprama Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Commission, about 50 per cent of the forest reserve has already been degraded as a result of persistent illegal mining activities.
As in previous incidents, the suspects were found to have pitched camp in the forest under the guise of holding a permit to carry out a reclamation exercise.
The Forestry Commission said the illegal miners were brought into the reserve by an individual identified as Alhassan and were arrested in Compartment 17, near the Obeng ne Obeng community.
During the operation, four temporary structures erected by the miners were immobilised.
The Rapid Response Team—drawn from Bekwai, Nkawie, Mankranso and Dunkwa—also seized one pickup truck, one Foton mini truck, and one generator.
The Forestry Commission said it remains on high alert and has called for the prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others involved in illegal mining.
Source: joynews
