Joy News investigations have uncovered the construction of a fuel supply point in a protected forest reserve in the Akomfre community, sparking outrage among environmental advocates and state officials.

According to official sources, the unauthorised fuel depot was being set up to supply earth-moving machinery actively involved in the indiscriminate destruction of forest cover in the area, reportedly in a desperate search for gold.

Joy News’ Blessed Sogah reports that a swift raid led by the Minerals Development Fund resulted in the arrest of several Chinese nationals suspected of being masterminds behind the illegal operation.

Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the environmental damage, but preliminary assessments point to severe deforestation and disruption of local ecosystems.

The discovery adds to growing concerns about the encroachment of Ghana’s protected lands by illegal mining syndicates, often backed by foreign operatives and enabled by weak enforcement.

Investigation into this syndicate is still ongoing.