A member of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team is fighting for his life after being brutally attacked by armed illegal miners in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region.
The officer suffered a severe machete wound to his knee during an ambush by the miners, who were reportedly armed with assault rifles and machetes.
The incident occurred when the Rapid Response team entered the reserve to halt fresh illegal mining activities. Prior to their entry, they had gathered evidence of the illegal activities, capturing footage of armed individuals manning a barrier at the forest’s entrance.
However, as they ventured deeper into the reserve, they were met with a deadly ambush. The yet-to-be-identified victim is currently receiving medical treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve has been a hotspot for illegal mining, posing a significant threat to Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by those working to protect the environment and the need for increased support and protection for these brave individuals.
The Forestry Commission has been working tirelessly to combat illegal mining in the country’s forest reserves. In recent years, the commission has collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in illegal mining.
Despite these efforts, the threat of illegal mining persists, and the commission continues to face challenges in its efforts to protect the country’s natural resources.
The attack on the Rapid Response team member is a sobering reminder of the risks and dangers faced by those working to protect the environment.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for increased action to be taken against illegal miners. The government has been urged to provide more support and resources to the Forestry Commission and other law enforcement agencies to help combat the menace of illegal mining.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
