The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakar Mahama II, has pledged his absolute support for the Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, in the fight against illegal mining and deforestation, particularly in Northern Ghana.

The Overlord of Dagbon stated this on October 4, 2021, when the Minister and his entourage paid a courtesy call on him at Yendi to begin his tour of the Northern Region.

The Yaa Naa said as a King who is concerned about his people and the preservation of the environment, he has always frowned upon the practice of illegal mining and for that matter, the Minister has his unflinching support and that of his chiefs, in the government's quest to curb illegal mining and restore the vegetative cover of the country.

The Yaa Naa applauded the Minister for the great strides attained in this fight so far. Adding that he will together with his subjects work to help the ministry achieve its mandate.

On his part, Mr Jinapor expressed his sincere gratitude to the Yaa Naa and his Chiefs for the warm welcome.

He employed the opportunity was to announce his presence in the region officially and, by way of respect to the well-revered King, seek permission to proceed with his tour in the region.

The Minister stated that the Ministry and government recognise the pivotal role the chieftaincy institution plays in the development of the country, and for that, he holds them in high esteem.

He added that it would have been a show of disrespect to the Yaa Naa and his people for him and his delegation to visit the region without paying homage to the overlord of Dagbon.

He said, "Whatever I am coming to do in the Northern Region, it is important that I come to Gbewa Palace to pay a courtesy call on the Yaa Naa and ask for the blessing of the Yaa Naa for me to continue with my tour of the Northern Region"

Mr Samuel Jinapor also indicated that matters relating to lands, forestry, and mines can not be properly managed without the Chiefs' support.

He said, "chiefs are pivotal in the efficient management of Ghana's natural resources".

The Minister was accompanied by his Deputy Minister in charge of Mines George Mireku Duker, who reiterated government's determination to exploit the iron ore deposits in Sheini, located in the region, and called for support from the Chiefs and people in the area to help the realise vision of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of an integrated iron and steel industry for the growth and development of the country.

He also used the platform to commend the Yaa Naa for his support during the June 11 Green Ghana day and called on Ghanaians to monitor trees planted during the tree planting exercise.