The Forestry Commission in Akyem Oda, in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region, has arrested an excavator operator, Ahmed Nuhu, for engaging in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, within the Pranu Forest Reserve.
Nuhu was apprehended during an operation led by Assistant District Manager Richmond Amo-Adjei, during which his accomplices fled the scene.
Mr. Amo-Adjei explained that his team acted on intelligence about galamsey operations in the Pranu Forest Reserve near Asante Akyem. The forestry guards responded swiftly and arrested Ahmed Nuhu, an excavator operator, while two excavator machines were abandoned by the fleeing accomplices.
The suspect has since been handed over to the Dwaso Police for further investigation, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Mr. Amo-Adjei further cautioned galamsey operators to stay away from the Pranu Forest Reserve, stressing that it is a no-go area for such activities.
He also urged residents living nearby to report any signs of forest destruction to the Forestry Commission to enable prompt action and protect the reserve.
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