Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Abraham Otabil, has said illegal mining activities in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions have declined as compared to other regions.
According to him, although illegal mining in the three regions has decreased, illicit lumbering appears to be on the ascendency.
Mr. Otabil, who disclosed this in an interview with Wenchi based Radio West Africa said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is fully aware of lumbering activities in the three regions therefore pragmatic measures are being initiated to handle the rising situation.
He explained that the ministry is committed to equipping the various Regional Security Councils (REGSECs) across the country to scoop out all recalcitrant persons engaging in illicit activities along the banks of rivers.
“The Minister has directed the (REGSECs) to present to proposals to enable him to resource them with the necessary logistics to camp down illegal mining along the banks of our rivers,” Mr. Otabil added.
The PRO who attributed the decline in illegal mining activities in the three regions to the massive collective campaign to halt the practice stressed more needs to be done to sustain the momentum.
He further said “now the ministry’s main focus is how to restore the nation’s forest cover, how to protect the natural resources.
"So the minister has appealed to the Bono regional minister to consider starting some training programmes to educate people on how to harvest trees without destroying the environment”.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and his team were in the Bono and Bono East regions as part of his nationwide working visit to learn at first hand the status of the environment.
Latest Stories
-
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
8 mins -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
13 mins -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
18 mins -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
26 mins -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
30 mins -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
36 mins -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
41 mins -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
51 mins -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
1 hour -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
1 hour -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
2 hours -
NDC government will establish a Women’s Development Bank – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
2 hours -
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
2 hours -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
2 hours -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
2 hours