The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team has successfully apprehended four illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamsey operators, during a raid on a mining camp in the Subri Forest Reserve near Benso in the Western Region.

The illegal activity was taking place within a designated Globally Significant Biodiversity Area of the forest, which has been severely impacted by the miners' search for gold.

The suspects, all Ghanaians, have been identified as Innussah Yussif, Issah Seidu, Shadrack Yowson, and Emmanuel Adawusu.

They were armed when apprehended, with authorities seizing five pump action guns and 77 rounds of ammunition during the operation. Additionally, three excavators found at the site were set ablaze by the team to prevent further damage to the forest reserve.

Other items retrieved from the camp have been handed over to the Takoradi police, who are conducting further investigations into the case. The suspects are believed to have the backing of influential figures who have been supporting their illegal mining activities, contributing to the degradation of large portions of the forest.

This operation is part of a broader, joint rapid response effort in the Takoradi Forest District aimed at curbing the rising menace of illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s forest reserves. The destruction caused by these activities poses a significant risk not only to the environment but also to the country’s biodiversity and natural heritage.