The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has hinted at the establishment of a new forestry school in the Bono region.

In a media briefing on Monday, November 15, after a meeting with the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Minister indicated that the school is part of government's plans and strategies to ensure that all the forest reserves in the country, particularly those in the Bono region are protected.

"I will take up the forestry school big time, because we need to have a specialised and dedicated school for forestry in the Region," he said.

Mr. Jinapor disclosed that government has received numerous reports on charcoal harvesting and exploitation, saying that if these are investigated and found to be true, a total ban will be placed on the commodity.

The Damongo lawmaker tasked the REGSEC to flush out all illegal mining activities on water bodies.

According to him, the government has taken a bold step to declare river bodies and forest reserves as 'no-go' areas for mining following its resolve to ending galamsey in the country.

"Mining cannot take place in any water bodies in the country, these are part of the red zone. You have my blessing to put together a task force in this regard," he added.

He further charged the REGSEC to work together with the Minerals Commission to audit all concessions to ensure that the companies pay due dividends to government, embark on their corporate social responsibilities and pay royalties to the traditional authorities.

The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, called for the enforcement of the New Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) to facilitate proper regulation and protection of public lands, among others.

The other members of REGSEC pledged their commitment in helping government through the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry to curb deforestation and illegal mining in the country.