A machete clash among suspected illegal miners operating in the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region has left one person seriously injured, prompting intervention by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The confrontation occurred in the Abuakwa South District and reportedly involved machetes. The NAIMOS Special Task Force intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
The injured person was initially taken to the Asiakwa Police Station before being referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Following the incident, the Task Force conducted a reconnaissance patrol of the forest reserve, where it uncovered extensive illegal mining activities along river systems and significant environmental degradation.
The operation led to the destruction of 15 makeshift structures and 11 water-pumping machines believed to have been used for illegal mining. No arrests were made during the reconnaissance operation.
The difficult terrain within parts of the reserve, according to NAIMOS, has limited access to conventional vehicles, with some areas accessible mainly by foot, motorbikes and tricycles.
NAIMOS said it has commenced further inquiries into the violent confrontation and the illegal mining activities and will intensify operations in the Atewa Forest Reserve to disrupt illegal mining and protect water bodies.
