A gang of five alleged to have been attacking forest guards at Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya distric have been arrested.
After a five-month hunt, the suspects were arrested at Nyinahin where the gang leader resides. They are Kofi Owusu alias Juve; Kwabena Obeng also known as TT; Yaw Ofori; Kojo Yeboah aka Nyinahin Tiger; and Yaw Boamah.
Locally made pistol, cutlasses, knives and other deadly weapons were retrieved from them.
TV3’s Benjamin Aidoo reports that the five have over the years allegedly gained notoriety for attacking forest guards in the Tano-Offin forest reserve in the Atwima Nwabiagya and Atwima Mponua Districts.
Two forest guards were for instance injured in the latest attack last week.
Deputy regional police commander, ACP Ampofo Duku, described the five who were arrested as notorious criminals.
He said the police will organize identification parade for those who have been attacked to identify them.
The Nkawie District Forest Manager, Nana Bosompem, complained that forest guards have for some time being prevented by the five and other armed gangs from carrying their duty, describing the situation as alarming.
He however said the officers will not relent on its quest to rid the reserve of criminal groups.
Figures at the Forestry Commission indicate that only 60 percent of the forest cover has been left untouched, with prized teak and other species being cut on daily basis by criminals.
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