A coalition of civil society organisations, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens has strongly condemned the arrest of a Forestry Commission officer who was enforcing anti-illegal mining laws in the Atewa Forest.
In a statement issued on 7th March 2025, the group described the incident as an abuse of power that undermines efforts to combat illegal mining.
According to the statement, the officer, a member of the Rapid Response Task Force, was manhandled and detained while attempting to stop illegal mining around the Obuoho area. "This wrongful arrest sends a dangerous message that those protecting Ghana's forests and water bodies are the ones being targeted, while illegal miners operate with impunity," the group stated.
They accused the Kyebi Police of failing to tackle illegal mining in their jurisdiction but acting swiftly against a public officer who was fulfilling his duty.
