A group of illegal miners operating in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western Region has been arrested by the Forestry Commission.

The miners had managed to evade a recent raid conducted by the military and the Rapid Response Unit but resumed their activities in the forest.

Among those apprehended were three Chinese nationals operating excavators and eight Ghanaian miners. They have since been transferred to the Enchi District Police for further action.

In addition to the arrests, authorities seized three excavators, one of which has already been moved to the Enchi District Assembly.

A formal complaint has been filed with the police, and investigations are ongoing, with prosecution expected in due course.

The Tano Anwia, Tano Nimri, and Boin Tano Forest Reserves continue to face relentless illegal mining activities, often carried out by armed groups.

Recent drone footage from the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve shows alarming levels of environmental destruction within just a few weeks of illegal mining operations.