Seven (7) illegal Chainsaw Operators have been arrested in the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region sawing economic trees.

The suspects are Addo Godwin ,30, Kwasi Kwakye ,20, Okyere Patrick ,25, Solomon Megah ,30, Anim Boateng ,20, Yaw Ofori ,25, and Addo Norbert 25.

The seven were arrested on Tuesday by Forest guards under the Anyinam Range of the Forest Services division of the Forestry Commission after excruciating trail of the suspects who were operating in the forest at Akyem Apapam section.

Three chainsaw machines have been confiscated while the suspects handed over to the Kibi Police Command for caution statement and prosecution.

Speaking to Ultimate News at Kibi, the Anyinam Range Manager of the Forestry Services, Palmer Aikens Amponsah said illegal chainsawing is on the increase following the fight against galamsey.

He expressed shock that despite continuous arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators including illegal miners caught mining in the forest reserve, the youth defiantly continue to invade the forest reserve.