Forestry officials allegedly set fire to four excavators in Atewa Forest buffer

Officials from the Kyebi Division of the Forestry Commission have allegedly burned four excavators suspected to be engaged in mining within the buffer zone of the Atewa Forest. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Obuoho Fante, near Anum Apapamu in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region.

According to sources, the officials arrived at the site around 9 a.m. as part of their routine monitoring and engaged the local assembly member, who refuted claims that the concession owner was mining in the restricted area. Shortly after, the officials reportedly made a phone call, set fire to the excavators, and left the scene quickly to avoid confrontation with angry community members who had begun gathering.

Speaking to Channel One News, Assembly Member for Anum Apapamu North, Adu-Gyamfi Douglas, expressed concerns over the incident, stating that the community relies on small-scale mining for their livelihood. “The youth are worried and aggrieved because this manpower mining is their only means of survival. There are no jobs here, so if mining activities are stopped like this, they won’t be happy,” he said.

In response to the unrest, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey visited the community to de-escalate tensions and has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. She emphasized that the Regional Security Council, which had recently met to strategize against illegal mining, did not authorize the destruction of the excavators.

“We want the government to investigate this incident to determine who was responsible and how it happened. We sympathize with you, so please remain calm and disperse. Your safety is important to us, and we do not want any clashes,” she assured the community.

The investigation is expected to shed light on whether the action was an isolated decision by the forestry officials or part of a broader enforcement measure.