The Nkawie District Forest Services Division Manager, Mr. Abraham Essel, has revealed that over fifty (50) armed galamsey operators and “machomen” have besieged the Offin shelter belt forest reserve at Mmofranfaadwen-Apenkuro in the Ashanti region.
He express concern that the activities of these illegal miners are destroying the invested forest reserve. Addressing the media, Mr. Essel explained that over the past four months, his team has been battling galamsey operators in the district. Although they thought they had successfully driven them away from the forest reserves, they recently discovered that some galamseyers had returned to the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve and are now being protected by armed men, making it difficult for officers of the Nkawie District Forest Services to get assess to the forest.
“It is our duty to protect the forest reserves in this district from deforestation, bushfire, galamsey, and any other activities that endangers our forest reserves.
“Recently, there has been an increase in galamsey activities at the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve. Galamseyers have been active in the area for the past four months, but we were able to drive them out.
“However, we got a report last weekend that some individuals have besieged the Offin shelter belt forest reserve, engaging in illegal mining activities.
“On last Sunday, I sent some officers to the forest reserve to verify the situation but the officers came back only to tell me that some individuals have mounted a barrier at the entrance of the forest and prevented them from entering the forest.” He said.
”The following day, I went to the site myself. I saw that the barrier was being guarded by armed individuals carrying guns and cutlasses.” He said.
Narrating his encounter with the armed men, he said; “I went to the site in an official car and uniform, but one of the armed men told me they wouldn’t allow us to enter the forest and started causing a scene when I insisted on going in.
“He threatened us, saying that if we didn’t leave and return to the office, we would regret coming there. I was accompanied by a driver and one officer, so there were three of us in total. Given the situation, I instructed the driver to leave the area.
“We were able to mobilize 26 members of our Rapid Response Team, which is made up of four units.
“Later, the team called to inform me that the individuals guarding the barrier had increased in number. They were all wearing masks and armed with weapons, so I instructed the team to retreat to avoid any potential danger.”
Mr. Abraham Essel made a passionate appeal to the government and all stakeholders to collaborate in curbing this menace, emphasizing that forest protection requires the collective effort of all parties involved.
“It is clear that illegal mining activities are continuing in the forest, but because of the armed presence, we are unable to enter and assess the situation.
“We have reported the issue to our superiors and I know they are putting measures in place to assists us in dealing with the issue.
“I am highly confident that we will get the needed support very soon. I want to emphasized that the forest reserves is the property of all Ghanaians and therefore we cannot allow some individuals to destroy it for their selfish interest.
“I am appealing with the relevant authorities to act swiftly in addressing the matter this is no longer just a forestry management issue, it has become a security concern.
“Forestry Commission officers do not carry weapons, and we are now genuinely afraid for our safety when visiting the forest, given the presence of armed galamseyers and their guards.” He told our reporter.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com / Nana Akwasi Kyere
