The Rapid Response team of the Forestry Commission has arrested 28 Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians after foiling an attempt to mine illegally in the Apamprama Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.

Fifty percent of the Apamprama Forest Reserve has already been degraded.

The Commission says that, as with previous invasions, the miners were found to have pitched camp in the forest under the pretext of having been granted a permit to conduct a reclamation exercise.

Brought in by an individual named Alhassan, the illegal miners were arrested in Compartment 17 of the Apamprama Forest Reserve near the Obeng ne Obeng community.

Four erected structures were immobilized.

The Rapid Response team, drawn from Bekwai, Nkawie, Mankranso, and Dunkwa, also seized one pickup truck, one Foton mini truck, and one generator.

The Forestry Commission says it is on high alert and wants those arrested to be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.