.jpg)
Galamsey Operators Allegedly Invade 261-Acre Forest Land in Wassa Amenfi West, Assault Journalists
Illegal mining activities involving Ghanaian and Chinese operators have reportedly affected about 261 acres of the Breman-Adomanya Forest in the Wassa Amenfi West District of the Western Region, resulting in the destruction of cocoa and rubber plantations and the pollution of the River Tano.
The alleged activities have raised concerns about environmental degradation, the destruction of farmlands and the threat to the livelihoods of residents who depend on agriculture and local water resources.
The situation has attracted further attention following reports that a group of journalists investigating the alleged illegal mining activities were physically assaulted, had their recording equipment confiscated and were compelled to delete footage captured at the site.
The affected journalists include Agyemfra Bright of Angel News, Nana Fynn, Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi News, and Jacob Baah of Rok/Peace FM. Some of their recording equipment was reportedly damaged during the confrontation.
The journalists visited the forest following a complaint from a farmer, Isaac Kwasi Bekye, who alleged that illegal miners had destroyed his farmland. Before proceeding to the site, the team reportedly visited the Asankragwa Police Station, where four police officers were assigned to provide security during the investigation.
However, upon their arrival at the forest, a security guard allegedly alerted the miners to the journalists’ presence, prompting a group of individuals to confront the team while they were documenting the extent of the destruction.
Reports indicate that the group was led by Yaw Kurankyi, who was alleged to have sold the land. The miners reportedly seized cameras, microphones and a mobile phone belonging to the journalists.
Despite the presence of police officers, the team was allegedly prevented from leaving the area after a vehicle was used to block their movement. The miners reportedly insisted that all recorded footage be deleted before the journalists could depart.
Additional police officers were subsequently deployed to assist the team, which returned to the Asankragwa Police Station. Reports further indicate that the journalists were forced to erase their recordings. Kurankyi was later arrested, and statements were taken from the affected journalists.
Meanwhile, farmer Isaac Kwasi Bekye has criticised the response of traditional leaders and local authorities, calling on the government to take decisive action to halt the alleged illegal mining operations.
He has urged the relevant authorities to protect farmlands, forests and water bodies from further destruction and ensure that those responsible for the alleged activities are held accountable.
The incident has renewed concerns about the environmental consequences of illegal mining and the safety of journalists carrying out investigations into issues of public interest.
Authorities are expected to take the necessary steps to investigate the allegations and address the reported destruction of the forest and surrounding farmlands.
.jpg)
