Five persons in court for illegally entering forest reserve

Takoradi Feb.10, GNA - A circuit court 'B' in Takoradi, on Friday remanded five unemployed persons for allegedly conspiring to commit crime, and illegally prospecting for gold in the Subiri Forest Reserve at Akyempim, in the Western Region.

The pleas of Sawanzy Ockran, Joseph Amoah, Jacob Ackah, Joseph Baidoo and Atta Kwesi were not taken and they would re-appear in court on February 20.

Police Inspector Seth Ahelegbe said at about 0530 hours on February 9 this year, the suspects, and other accomplices now at large, illegally entered the forest reserve to prospect for gold.

He said forestry officials arrested the suspects illegally prospecting for gold in the reserve and the accomplices absconded.

Inspector Ahelegbe said the suspects admitted the offences during investigation, but said they were hired as labourers to operate galamsey and did not know whether those who hired them had the relevant documents.

GNA