Broadcast, investigative and environmental journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor, has reminded the government and the general public that the fight against illegal mining is “not over”, pointing to the stubbornness of illegal miners as reason for more efforts from all stakeholders.
This follows the almost immediate return of illegal miners after a recent highly commended military raid of the Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve.
“Yesterday, there was a raid in the Tano-anwia section. We had some groups disbanded, 10 excavators seized, one bulldozer too, though the Chinese miners and others were not arrested because they managed to flee the scene.
“But, I must say that as at 7pm yesterday, there were three groups still operating within the Tano-Anwia section”
Erastus Asare Donkor, Broadcast, Investigative and Environmental Journalist
The invasion of the Tano forest reserves is one of the more heartbreaking cases of illegal mining in the country, stemming from the vast richness of the forest reserve now facing devastation.
“These are protected forests and when we say protected forests, sometimes, they are globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBA).
“Scarce tree species that you cannot find anywhere in the world are found in these reserves. So we have Boin Tano, which is a GSBA, as well and Tano-Nimri which is a production forest”
Erastus Asare Donkor, Broadcast, Investigative and Environmental Journalist
Large-scale illegal mining has prevailed significantly against these forest reserves despite the wide range of economic and environmental advantages they provide.
According to the journalist, the previous administration was the “first” to “invade” the forests with illegal miners, after which nothing was done to curb the resulting environmental damage.
The change of government coupled with Asare Donkor’s advocacy against illegal mining brought momentary relief to the invasion of the Tano forest reserves but was short lived.
Fresh assaults soon began, this time, perpetrated by NDC illegal miners emboldened by their government’s return to power.
“Then more groups joined because no action was being taken,” he recounted, providing a progression timeline of illegal mining in the Tano forest reserves.
The full and forceful return of illegal miners and their equipment to the forest reserves, prompted a documentary post by the investigative journalist on facebook, and moved the new government to action.
“And that’s why I wrote that post on my Facebook page. Now it has gotten a very swift reaction from the government, to tell me that, yes, the President doesn’t support what is happening in the forests”
Erastus Asare Donkor, Broadcast, Investigative and Environmental Journalist
Aftermath of the Tano-Anwhia Raid
The joint operation involving the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and about 30 military personnel, which led to a crackdown on illegal mining in the Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region is a reflection of the many efforts that have been made since.
However, Erasmus’s observation indicated that despite the raid, illegal mining activities have resumed and continue at various sections of the region already.
“Those who are operating in the Boin Tano Forest Reserve are still there. The Tano Nimri Forest Reserve invasion is still intact.
“They are working. As of this morning, I have fresh pictures, from ‘Ohia Mpe Anika’ village, which is an entry into the Tano-Nimri section of the forest”
Erastus Asare Donkor, Broadcast, Investigative and Environmental Journalist
Though Erastus’ update on the military raid of the Tano-Anwia forest reserve acknowledged the President’s firm stance against galamsey, he admitted that the current efforts may not be up to the task ahead.
“I will want to say that the job is not done,” he said emphatically, as illegal mining invasions persist in some sections of Tano-Anwia, Boin Tano, and Tano Nimri Forest Reserves.
He urged all stakeholders in the government’s fight against galamsey, including the Forestry Commission, the Defense Ministry and the Lands Ministry to persevere in their “very active parts,” until the end.
The end remains an immediate and complete eradication of illegal mining, and its attendant problems from the country before it is too late.
From his part, just as he advocated for an end to illegal mining under the former administration, Erastus Asare Donkor is committed to doing the same under the new administration until all illegal mining activities completely cease.
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