Seven illegal chainsaw operators have been arrested in the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern region sawing economic trees.
The suspects are Addo Godwin, 30, Kwasi Kwakye, 20, Okyere Patrick, 25, Solomon Megah, 30, Anim Boateng, 20, Yaw Ofori, 25 and Addo Norbert, 25.
The seven were arrested Tuesday by Forest guards under the Anyinam range of the Forest Services division of the Forestry Commission after excruciating trail of the suspects who were operating in the forest at the Akyem Apapam section.
Three Chainsaw Machines have been confiscated while the suspects have been handed over to the Kibi Police Command for prosecution.
Speaking to Starr News at Kibi, the Anyinam Range Manager of the Forestry Services, Palmer Aikens Amponsah said illegal Chainsawing is on the increase following the fight against galamsey.
He added that most of the perpetrators including illegal miners caught mining in the forest reserve have been prosecuted.
“I am even surprised that despite continuous arrest they continue to invade the forest to mine and illegally cut down trees with impunity.
“If you will remember, about two months ago, 29 people were arrested and prosecuted, so my advice to the youth is that they should find other livelihoods like farming to do because we are leaving no stone unturned, we will continue to arrest and prosecute them.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
