The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor is poised military personnel deployed to forest reserves and water bodies in the country would ensure mining activities come to a halt.
“I have absolute confidence in them and I believe the steps they are taking. They are working to clear illegal mining on the banks of our water bodies. Forest reserves are also going to be protected and safeguarded,” he said.
According to the Lands Minister in an interview on Joy FM, the presence of the military at mining sites indicates that government has reached the implementation and enforcement stage in its fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
His comment comes after some 200 officers in the military in the early hours of Wednesday were deployed to River Pra in the Western and Central regions on the directive of President Akufo-Addo.
This directive is meant to fortify an order by the Minister himself for all individuals and companies engaged in prospecting in forest reserves with or without legal authorisation, to suspend such activities and evacuate their equipment from the sites.
Mr Abu Jinapor noted that the National Security architecture is presently at the helm of affairs and “are taking series of measures in order to ensure that these directives and the designation of these places are enforced and secured.”
“We have given an instruction to Forest Commission not to issue forest entry permit for purposes of mining. So the framework has been set,” he added.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to rally their support behind the incumbent government led by President Akufo-Addo to end the reign of illegal mining operators in the country.
For him, Ghana's victory over illegal mining is long-overdue.
“It is either we are moving forward or not. It is either we are enforcing the rules or not. The government has begun to take steps to enforce the rules and I think that the least that the citizens can do for the country, for the nation, and survival of our country is to support this law enforcement arrangement,” he noted.
Meanwhile, individuals and mining companies are expected by the close of Friday, April 30, to evacuate their equipment from these forest reserves and water bodies despite calls for an extension.
Latest Stories
-
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
3 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
4 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
4 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
4 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
5 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
5 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
5 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
5 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
6 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
6 hours -
Liverpool agree compensation deal with Feyenoord for Slot
7 hours -
Ejisu by-election: There’s no evidence of NPP engaging in vote-buying – Ahiagbah
7 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Independent ex-NPP MP’s campaign team warns party against dubious tactics
7 hours -
ZEN Petroleum supports Tse-Addo Future Leaders School
8 hours -
NPP must win back Adentan seat in 2024 polls – Obeng Fosu
8 hours