Forestry Commission Officials Burn 4 Excavators Used for Galamsey in Atewa Forest Reserve

Forestry Commission officials set ablaze four excavators used for illegal mining in the Atewa Forest Reserve at Obuohu Fante in the Ayensuano districts of the Eastern Region.

The Atewa Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot and vital water source and has been under siege by illegal miners, known locally as “galamsey” operators. This practice began in the late 19th century and has seen a surge in recent years. Galamsey is mostly driven by poverty and unemployment. Despite numerous crackdowns, the forest continues to suffer with devastating environmental impacts.

The Rapid Response Unit believes the miners who were on the fringes of the forest have gradually expanded operations into portions of the Atewa Forest range. No arrests were made. According to the officials, the illegal miners fled the scene before they got there.

Dr Hughes Brown, CEO of the Forestry Commission, has issued a strong warning to “Forest wreckers, that the Commission will not relent in its efforts to rid the Nation’s Forest Reserves of these criminal activities.”
The recent operation by the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit has sparked a heated debate.
On one hand, it’s a bold move to protect the forest and its ecosystem.

Daryl Bosu, the team lead of A Rocha Ghana, an environmental non-governmental organization, posted on Facebook to justify the action of the Forestry Commission.

He stated: “These illegal operators initially begin their activities on the fringes of the forest and emboldened by impunity, gradually expanded their operations into the forest. This pattern has unfortunately become a common tactic among illegal miners in recent times.”

He added: “We applaud the Forestry Commission for their unwavering zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining in the Atewa Forest and reaffirm our commitment to support their crucial effort every step of the way. Securing Atewa Forest is vital for water, climate, and community well-being.”

On the other, critics argue that it’s a gut reaction that fails to address the root causes of illegal mining. Burning excavators, while dramatic, raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in the long run. Tensions are high in Obuohu Fante following the burning of the excavators in the Atewa forest range. Residents suspect forestry officials and demand answers.

They said: “This is our livelihood, we can’t stop, they were only mining in the buffer and not inside the forest. ”

Could this be the beginning of a more aggressive campaign against galamsey, or is it just a one-off spectacle meant to appease environmentalists? Rita Adjei Awatey, the Head of the Eastern Regional Security Council, has announced that an investigation will be launched into the action.