The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has issued a stern warning against mining activities within Ghana’s forest reserves under a potential NDC administration, emphasising the imperative of preserving the country's natural vegetation.

During a public lecture at the Christian Service University in Kumasi, Mahama underscored the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves, stating that the exploration of mineral resources should not compromise the integrity of these vital ecosystems.

Mr Mahama pledged to promote responsible mining practices, ensuring that activities detrimental to the environment, particularly those polluting water bodies, are halted and remediated.

The former president emphasised that Ghana's forest reserves hold intrinsic value beyond any potential mineral wealth they may contain, asserting his commitment to policies that prioritize conservation and sustainable development.

“I will ban all mining in forest reserves because I believe that many of the trees in the reserves, which are more than 700 years old, are more precious assets than any mineral that lies beneath them," he said.