The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor on Tuesday, 20th December, 2022 called on the Queen Mothers of the Asanteman Traditional Council to assist government in the fight against illegal mining in their various traditional areas.

He said the fight against illegal mining is a collective one and as such cannot be won without the efforts and support of important stakeholders like Queen mothers as he believes in the power women wields, particularly women with traditional authority.

"If you want to conquer the world let the women lead and you will have the world under your feat," he added.

Speaking at a meeting with the Queen mothers in Kumasi on the sidelines of his one-day tour of the Ashanti Region, Mr Jinapor said "I have been here to court the support of the Otumfo and the Chiefs of the Asanteman and it will be unacceptable on my part not to court your support because without you we cannot win this fight."

He bemoaned how troubling the wanton destruction of lands and natural resources of the country, particularly river bodies have become rampant and called on the Queen mothers to evolve ways that will help government fight the destructive menace.

He reiterated the government's stance on mining activities, in general, saying that "government as I have always said is not against mining, we love our gold and other minerals and the jewellery we make out of them, but what we are against is the illegal way of going about the act and that is what we want you to help us fight against".

The Lands and Natural Resources Minister assured the Queen Mothers of government's support, adding that he will ensure the Minerals Commission provide them with needed resources to engage in the combat against illegal mining and also assured to engage them in the Green Ghana Project in the coming year.

The Queen Mother of the Mampong, Traditional Area, Nana Agyakuma Difie who spoke on behalf of the Queen Mothers assured the Minister of their support and rallied the other mothers to support government in curbing the menace as she indicated that if the natural resources of the country deteriorate, it will go against them and their generations.

He requested the Minister to support the Queen Mothers with all resources they may require to respond to the call of fighting against the menace.

The Queen Mothers who were drawn from Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, and Adansi, collectively thanked the Minister for the meeting and gave assured of their commitment to the cause.

The meeting also among others discussed, the planting of Rosewood in large quantities and the effort of government to partner with Queen Mothers of the Asanteman Council to pilot the planting of bamboo and their active involvement in the 2023 Green Ghana Project.

Meanwhile, the Minister made a whistle stop at the Kumasi Zoo where he tasked the Forestry Commission to as a matter of urgency provide a walkway, summer huts and a facility to serve as a staff changing room for workers.

Engaging the staff, he appreciated their efforts in keeping the Zoo running while encouraging them to keep up the good work. He assured them of government's commitment, adding that their challenges and welfare issues will be taken into consideration.

Dr. Meyir Yiyele Ziekah, the Zoo Manager and Resident Veterinary Doctor at the Zoo thanked the Minister for his visit and hoped that the challenges tabled before him will be addressed.