Forestry Officer in Critical Condition After Brutal Attack by Illegal Miners in Offin Reserve
Ambush in the Forest: Illegal Miners Strike as Authorities Crack Down on Galamsey
A Forestry Commission Rapid Response Team officer is fighting for his life after being ambushed and attacked by armed illegal miners in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region.
The officer suffered a deep machete wound to his knee during the violent assault, where the miners—armed with rifles and machetes—launched a surprise attack on the team, according to JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donko.
The attack occurred when the team entered the reserve to disrupt fresh illegal mining activities. Prior to their mission, they had captured footage of armed men guarding a checkpoint at the forest’s entrance. However, deeper inside the reserve, the miners had set up an ambush, leading to the assault.
The injured officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, is receiving medical care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve remains a hotspot for illegal mining, posing severe threats to forest reserves and water bodies. The Forestry Commission, in partnership with security forces, continues to crack down on these unlawful activities.
Authorities have yet to comment on the incident or confirm any arrests.
