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The Begoro District branch of the Forestry Commission in the Eastern Region has arrested three illegal loggers who were allegedly harvesting economic trees in the Akwadum portion of the Atiwa Forest Reserve.

The suspects are Kwaku' Adu, a chainsaw operator, David Oppong and Richard Odoi.

The suspects were arrested by the Rapid Response Team and Rangers stationed at the Begoro Forestry Office after getting wind of their operation.

They have been transferred from the Begoro District Police to the Eastern Regional Police headquarters.

Speaking to the Daily Heritage, the Begoro District Forestry Manager, Mr. Kwame Oteng Awuah noted that the incidents of illegal lumbering had risen recently in the area following the government's clampdown on illegal gold mining.

The frustrated illegal miners are reportedly diversifying into illegal logging in the Forest Reserve, which poses danger to the forest.

According to the Begoro District Manager, the Commission has intensified surveillance and monitoring to tackle the new threat to the Forest Reserve, hence two patrol teams have been constituted to patrol day and night to clamp down on the perpetrators.

Mr. Oteng Awuah noted that the ecosystem and biodiversity significance of the Atiwa Forest Reserve are begin destroyed, while the natural resources in the forest are dwindling, hence all hands must be on deck to support the protection and conservation of the Forest Reserve.

The District Forest Manager therefore appealed to the media and other stakeholders to join the Forestry Commission to protect the Atiwa Forest Reserve.

He expressed optimism that the police would expedite action on the suspects to be arraigned for prosecution to serve as deterrent to others.