The Atiwa West District Mining Taskforce has arrested 11 suspects for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Atiwa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.

The operation, led by Chief Inspector Akuffo Abraham, formed part of sustained efforts to clamp down on illegal mining (galamsey) and protect the district’s forest and water resources

During the exercise, mining equipment found at the site was destroyed, while the affected areas have since been secured to prevent further environmental degradation

Reacting to the development, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa West, Johnson Amo Anom, warned individuals involved in illegal mining to desist from the practice, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to environmental protection.

“Illegal mining will not be tolerated in Atiwa West. We will continue to protect our forests and water bodies, and anyone found engaging in such acts will face the full rigours of the law,” he stated.

The suspects have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigations and prosecution.

The DCE also appealed to residents to support the fight against illegal mining by providing timely information to the authorities.