23 Illegal Miners, Including Four Women, Arrested for Polluting Oda River in Ashanti Region
A joint operation by the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission and the Bekwai Forest District has led to the arrest of 23 illegal miners operating along the Oda River in the Amansie Central District.
The suspects, which include four women, were apprehended at Aburokyere, Bepotenten and Sukuumu while allegedly engaging in galamsey activities that have severely polluted the 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 operations. The team also destroyed 20 structures the miners had set up at the sites.
The operation involved 31 Rapid Response personnel, seven forest guards, two Forest Resource Management personnel and one District Development Manager.
The Oda River, which supports surrounding forests and communities, has been heavily polluted by these Changfan operators. The contamination has deprived local farmers of clean water for irrigation, forcing many peasant farmers out of work and disrupting their livelihoods.
Forestry officials say the arrests and seizures are part of ongoing efforts to protect vital water bodies and restore degraded forest areas affected by illegal mining.
The suspects are in custody and will face charges related to illegal mining and environmental degradation. The Forestry Commission has vowed to intensify patrols and enforcement along the Oda River and other vulnerable waterways to prevent further damage.
