Mr. Baafa Adams, the District Manager of the Forest Service Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission (FC), confirmed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and said they appeared to have been persuaded by the ultimatum given to them by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister.

He said all was almost quiet in the Anhwiaso East, Upper Wassa, Afao Hills, Sumtwitwi and Tano Suraho reserves. Many of the miners, who had been digging right inside the reserves, causing massive destruction to the forest and its resources, had packed their equipment and left.  Mr. Adams described the development as refreshing but cautioned that it was too early for anybody to either jubilate or become complacent.

There were reports that few of them had been sneaking back deep in the night, carrying deadly weapons, to engage in the illegal activity, he added.  He called for strong support of the people, particularly, those in the forest fringe communities to help protect the reserves. It was in the interest of everybody to join in the fight to preserve the forest and the water bodies.