The Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission and the Bekwai Forest District have arrested 23 illegal miners operating along the Oda River in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects, including four females, were apprehended during an operation at Aburokyere, Bepotenten and Sukuumu in the Amansie Central District, where they were allegedly mining along the Oda River.

During the exercise, the task force seized 82 Changfan machines, 77 pumping machines and 21 motorbikes believed to have been used in the illegal mining operations. The team also destroyed 20 structures set up by the miners at the sites.

The operation was carried out by a team made up of 31 Rapid Response personnel, seven forest guards, two Forest Range Manager and one Deputy District Manager.

The Oda River, which gives life to the surrounding forest, is highly polluted, mainly by these Changfan operators, denying farmers clean water for farming purposes.

The pollution has also had serious consequences for local farmers who depend on the river for their farming activities. Many peasant farmers in the area are now unable to access clean water for irrigation, a situation that has forced several of them out of work.