Activities of illegal miners destroy forest reserve

Five excavators have been seized while five suspected illegal gold miners have been arrested over the massive destruction of the Upper Wassa Forest Reserve in the Western Region.

This follows a special joint operation by the military, police and personnel of the Forestry Commission.

Mr Gabriel Agana, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Manager of the Forest Service Division, who confirmed this to the Ghana News Agency, said the suspects, whose names are being withheld, are on detention at the Sefwi-Wiawso Police Station.

Mr Agana expressed worry about the extent of devastation of the reserve through illegal mining and timber operations, saying it has been ravaged completely.