An earlier directive by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to suspend reconnaissance or prospecting activities in all forest reserves across the country takes full force, Friday, April 30.

A press statement signed by Deputy Minister-Designate, Benito Owusu-Bio, stated emphatically that individuals and companies engaged in prospecting in forest reserves with or without legal authorisation must suspend such activities and evacuate their equipment until further notice.

"I refer to the directive issued on 21^st April, 2021 and published on the 23^rd April, 2021 under the hand of the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

"Pursuant to the directive above stated, as from today Friday 30^th April, 2021, all Prospecting and/or Reconnaissance activities in all Forest Reserves in Ghana, are to cease and all equipment for such purposes evacuated," he added.

The suspension of reconnaissance came to light after it was revealed that a number of individuals and companies unlawfully acquire licences under the pretext of undertaking reconnaissance or prospecting in Forest Reserves and yet proceed to engage in illegal mining in such forest reserves, with adverse consequences on the environment.

This led to Samuel Abdulai Jinapor's decision to suspend such activities as part of his initiative to protect and manage the mineral resources for socio-economic growth and development.

To fortify the directive, Mr Owusu-Bio indicated that the government has deployed security officials to specific areas in order to apply the law and sanction individuals who infringe the law.

"Regional Security Councils across the country, which are already mandated to enforce all the laws, regulations and/or directives in the mining sector, have been put in readiness to ensure enforcement of these directives." 

Again, he stated that President Akufo-Addo in his effort in clamping the menace designated Forest Reserves and Waterbodies as “RED ZONES” and directed strict enforcement accordingly.

"The President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, met with all Regional Ministers and relevant sector Ministers on Wednesday 28^th April, 2021 at the Jubilee House, during which meeting, H.E the President designated Forest Reserves and Waterbodies as “RED ZONES” and directed strict enforcement accordingly."

It further stated that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has constituted a monitoring and evaluation team to ensure the enforcement of these measures.

According to him, the team has set up a situation room at the Mezzanine Floor of Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) which will be operational on weekdays from Tuesday 4th May, 2021 between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00pm.

The MP for Atwima-Nwabiagya urged the media and the general public to report any illegality relating to the mining sector or any individuals flouting the directives.