The paramount Chief of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia V has lauded the efforts of Lands Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor in ridding the country of illegal mining activities and operators.

According to Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the efforts of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, if successful could in the near future catapult his ambitions to vie for the Presidential position.

“The fight against galamsey, if you look after our forests - maybe that would even make you the next President. It is not beyond you but it all depends on the initiatives you will undertake.

“If you execute your duties as expected and need be that I follow you, I will,” he said.

He made the submission during a courtesy call paid by the Minister during his ongoing three-day visit to the Western Region as part of measures taken by government to tackle the phenomenon.

According to the Chief of Essikado, Takoradi has been deprived of water for about three weeks owing to illegal mining.

"Look at the population, with children so distressed moving around. I mean, we don't have the means to finance a borehole project. Just some days ago, some people came and said they would construct one for us. How many people can finance the construction of a borehole?” he added.

He further indicated that the average Ghanaian is most affected by the phenomenon as persons in the realm of affairs fail to tackle to the said issue.

“You see people sit in the comfort of their homes and forget the struggling masses. When the country discovered oil, the same thing happened. We don't see anything again,” he said.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V therefore urged the Damongo MP to work devoid of party affiliations or favours and ensure that illegal mining activity is eradicated from the country.

“I plead with you, you are royalty, when it comes to Ghana, every obstacle must be removed - party or otherwise. My people suffered before the country gained its freedom. Our ancestors were brutalized all in the name of Ghana,” he bemoaned.

Meanwhile, Mr Samuel Abdulai Jinapor will on Tuesday morning begin his interaction with the mining city of Tarkwa before proceeding to inspect a Mineral Development Fund (MDF) Infrastructural Projects at the University of Mines and Technology.

He will also visit the AngloGold (Iduapriem Mines).

Mr Abdulai Jinapor will also visit a Mining Community Site and end his day with a meeting with the Small Scale Mining Association.

Already, the Lands Minister has directed individuals and companies engaged in prospecting in forest reserves with or without legal authorisation, to suspend such activities until further notice.