Armed illegal miners ambush Forestry Commission team; one fighting for life

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 Shelter Belt Forest Reserve. The officer, who is yet to be identified, suffered a severe machete wound to his knee during an ambush by the miners, who were armed with assault rifles and other deadly weapons.

The attack occurred when the team entered the forest to clamp down on illegal mining activities. Before their operation, they had taken photographs of the illegal miners in the area. However, upon entry, they realized that some of the miners had strategically laid an ambush. The armed attackers struck unexpectedly, leading to a violent confrontation that left one officer critically wounded.

The injured officer was immediately rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition is reported to be critical, raising concerns about the growing dangers faced by personnel tasked with protecting Ghana’s forest reserves from illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

This attack is one of many incidents highlighting the increasing boldness of illegal miners who are now heavily armed and willing to confront security forces. The Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve, a protected area rich in biodiversity, has been under serious threat from galamsey activities, leading to widespread deforestation, water pollution, and environmental degradation.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the attack, but there are growing calls for stricter enforcement of anti-galamsey laws and better protection for forest guards and security personnel involved in combating illegal mining. Many stakeholders believe that unless the government takes decisive action, galamsey operators will continue to pose a significant threat to the country’s natural resources and law enforcement officers.

Investigations into the attack are expected to be launched soon, as pressure mounts on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and strengthen measures to curb illegal mining in Ghana’s protected forests.

Source: Radiooneghana.com