Illegal mining activities have escalated off late which has generated a heated debate among Ghanaians.
Stakeholders and other groups have even called for a ban on small scale mining to help win the fight against illegal miners.
But the illegalities persist as some illegal miners have a portion of compartment 147 of the Asananyo Forest reserve at Akonfere under the Nkawie District Forest Services Division of the Ashanti Region.
According to a report, the illegal miners secured the land with heavily built armed guards.
Speaking to the media, Mr Abraham Essel, Nkawie District Forest Services Division Manager stated that the machomen with the heavy weapons in the forest does not only threaten the forest reserves and the water bodies but the life of the citizens.
He said the situation is out of hand and needs urgent intervention to control the situation.
“Whenever it comes to our notice illegal miners have invaded the forest, we take action and fight them. We have won many battles which have ended some perpetrators in jail, others are still facing prosecutions. But recently heavily built guys wielding offensive weapons blocked the road leading to the forest and they prevented my staff from entering into the forest.” Mr Abraham Essel stated.
“I went there myself but it took me about ten minutes before they allowed me to enter so the situation is beyond the District Forest Services Division. We need security protection to win this fight.” He said.
Mr George Agbenowoshi – Assistant Regional Manager of Forestry Commission calls on stakeholders to support the government and the Forestry Commission to fight illegal mining (galamsey) activities and other illegalities in the forest.
“Our forest and water bodies have been destroyed. So we need support from Chiefs, Police, Court, MMDCEs, Assembly Members to help us fight the illegal mining activities.” He appealed.
Mr George Agbenowoshi suggested that the Task Force which had been withdrawn should be given the mandate again and help the fight.
Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has set up a 5-member Committee to assess the fight against illegal mining in the country.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
