Administrator of the Minerals Development Bank, Hanna Bissiw, led the Atwima Nwabiagya South Anti-Galamsey Taskforce in arresting 2 Indians and 10 Ghanaians alleged to be involved in illegal mining in the Adobewora Forest Reserve.
The team seized 3 excavators, 4 gold detectors, 2 pump generators, and destroyed 5 chanfans at the site.
The suspects were arrested on Friday May 30, but it’s unclear which police station the suspects were handed over for prosecution.
Hanna Bissiw, however, says those responsible for forest destruction will be made to finance the cost of reforestation.
“Now we know who the polluter is, we will pursue them to make sure that they bear the cost of the Adobewora forest reserve destruction for the people in the community to be safe,” she said.
According to her, only individuals without license run at the sight of an anti-galamsey taskforce.
“We went to AngloGold, and they didn’t run when they knew of operating with legal license, but only illegal operators run away knowing they are doing wrong things,” she observed
Hanna Bissiw said the two Indians and ten Ghanaians were arrested with all their equipment, but some managed to escape.
“Government is not against responsible mining, if you have a proper concession, you have mine responsible to benefit the community,” she said.
The Atwima Nwabiagya South District Chief Executive, Patrick Osei Boamah, assured that the Assembly and Forestry Commission will continue their efforts to combat illegal mining and logging in forest reserves in the area.
“I will urge all my people, especially the chiefs, to support us in the fight against galamsey in our district,” he appealed.