Ashanti regional minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene has urged Chinese Nationals to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.
According to the Minister, he has witnessed how beautiful rivers in China and their forests are so they should avoid illegal mining popularly known as galamsey which is destroying the rivers and forests in Ghana.
“One thing that we need to commend, importantly for me when I came I saw how beautiful your rivers are and how green your forests are. I want the same for my country. I have beautiful rivers and beautiful forests, however, we have gold in abundance, for which reason people come in and engage in illegal mining. They destroy our forest, they destroy our rivers.” He said.
Speaking at the International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism in China, Dr. Amoakohene called on Chinese Nationals to keep Ghana’s waterbodies and forest reserves safe.
“I want to use this platform to caution that Ghana is open for partnership in exploring our minerals. Australia, they are there through Newmont, they have less environmental issues. South Africa they are there through Anglo Gold, they have less environmental issues. Unfortualrty, in some cases we arrest some Chinese nationals who collaborate with some Ghanaians to do illegal mining. They are destroying our forests and rivers.” The Minister stated.
He stressed that there are laws in the country that protect legal mining and for that matter anyone who wants to engage in mining should use the appropriate means.
“Anyone who wants to do mining in Ghana should do it legally. There are laws that will support their businesses and protect their investments. However, those who do it illegally have been motivated by their site.” He admonished.
Source: Elvisaokyenews.com
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