Some four excavators suspected of being used for illegal mining near the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region have been set ablaze.
The incident took place on Thursday, February 13, in the Obuoho Fante area, close to Anum Apapamu in the Ayensuano District.
Locals suspect the burning was done by Forestry Commission officials to get the galamseyers off a protected buffer zone.
Anum Apapamu North Assembly Member Adu-Gyamfi Douglas said the destruction of the excavators had sparked anger among local youth, who rely on small-scale mining for their livelihoods.
Also, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey visited the area to calm tensions and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“We want the government to investigate this so that we know who was behind it and how it happened,” she said.
She also urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed.
“We sympathise with you, so calm down and leave the scene because your life is important to us. We do not want any clashes. Let us focus on getting to the root of the issue,” she added.
