The Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission and the Bekwai Forest District have arrested 23 illegal miners mining along the Oda River in the Ashanti region, on Friday, March 5,2026.
The team also seized 82 Changfan machines, 77 Pumping machines, 21 motorbikes and destroyed 20 structures.
The suspects including four females have been polluting the Oda River at Aburokyere, Bepotenten and Sukuumu all in the Amansie Central district of the Ashanti region.
The team for the exercise was made up of 31 Rapid Response Team Members, seven Forest guards, two Range managers, one Deputy District Manager.
The ODA River which gives life to the surrounding forest is highly polluted mainly by these Changfan operators denying farmers clean water for farming purposes.
Many peasant farmers have run out of jobs due these activities.
Speaking in an interview with our news team, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Manager in charge of Bekwai Forest District, Ernest Adofo, cautioned the illegal miners to stay away from the forest reserve since there will be continuous operations to flush out all illegal miners to secure the forest for the future generation.
“We will also solicit the support of all stakeholders to ensure speedy trial of the suspects arrested to serve as deterrent to other illegal miners,” he said.
He made it clear that illegal mining activities in protected forest reserves will no longer be tolerated, emphasizing the devastating impact of galamsey on the region’s environment and natural resources.
“Stay away from the forest reserves and galamsey,” he warned.
By Benjamin Aidoo
