The Forestry Commission has arrested five Nigerien nationals for engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) in the Atiwa Forest Reserve near Kwabeng in the Eastern Region.
The suspects are Ali Ibrahim, Hama Jibuo, Abubakari Ali ,Bailu Aliu and Farouk Ali
According to the Forestry Commission, the arrest followed a tip-off received at dawn on September 17, 2025, by Ivy Amoako Agyemang, Range Manageress of the Akyem Anyinam and Kwabeng District.
She immediately organized a team of forest guards to the Akyem Bomaa portion of the forest reserve, where the suspects were found busily mining with head pans, shovels, washing carpets, and water pumping machines.
The five were arrested on the spot, while several of their accomplices managed to escape.
The illegal activity had already destroyed parts of the forest.
The suspects, who are all unemployed nationals of Niger residing at Akyem Kwabeng, were handed over to the Regional CID in Kibi together with the seized equipment for further investigations.
Police say the suspects admitted to the offense through an interpreter during interrogation.
They have since been charged and arraigned before Koforidua Circuit court for engaging in illegal mining and causing destruction to a protected forest reserve.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
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