A member of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team is in critical condition after a brutal ambush by armed illegal miners in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, located in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
The officer sustained a deep machete wound to his knee during the surprise attack, which reportedly involved miners wielding both machetes and assault rifles. The incident occurred when the Rapid Response Team, acting on intelligence, entered the reserve to disrupt ongoing illegal mining operations.
According to preliminary reports, the team had earlier documented disturbing footage showing heavily armed individuals stationed at an improvised barrier at the forest’s entrance. Despite this, the team pressed forward, only to be ambushed by a hidden group of miners lying in wait deep within the reserve.
The injured officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, is currently receiving intensive medical care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, one of Ghana’s critical ecological assets, has become a hotspot for illegal mining activities. These activities have not only caused widespread environmental degradation but also threatened nearby water bodies and forest ecosystems.
This attack underscores the increasing risks faced by Forestry Commission officers and security personnel tasked with combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Despite numerous efforts, including joint operations with security agencies, the menace continues to thrive, often involving violent confrontations.
The Forestry Commission has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and no arrests have been reported. The attack raises urgent concerns about the safety of forest protection officers and the effectiveness of current strategies to address illegal mining in the country.
The latest incident adds to the growing list of violent encounters linked to galamsey operations, highlighting the dire need for intensified efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and ensure the safety of those working to protect them.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
