“If you know you are engaging in illegal mining or illegal logging of trees in a forest reserve, advise yourself and abandon the site.”
These are the strong words of the new Western Regional Forestry Commission Manager, Nana Kwabena Poku Bosompim, as he issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illegal activities within forest reserves.
Speaking to journalists at a send-off service, as he outlined plans to protect the region’s forests and stressing the need for strict enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 900), adding that the law will be enforced without any fear or favour.
“l can pledge zero tolerance for illegal mining in forest reseves abd illegal lumbing as will strictly enforce the laws without fear or favour…it is irritating seeing our forest being depleted because of some persons parochial interests,” he vented.
He emphasized the need for working together to protect the environment. “We should make every effort to protect the greenery in the Western Region for future generations to come,” he urged.
To successfully combat illicit operations in forest reserves, Bosompim called for a multi-sectorial strategy, stating intentions to work with traditional leaders and Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCES) in the battle against illegal mining.
His warning comes in the wake of a resurgence of illegal mining activities in forest reserves.
Recently, the Forestry Commission launched an operation in the Nueng South Forest Reserve, leading to the arrest of nine individuals and the destruction of excavators and Changfan machines.
Forestry Commission officials burn 4 excavators used for galamsey in Atewa Forest Reserve
By Stephen Cudjoe
