The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is currently evaluating a proposal to designate forests reserves and water bodies in mining communities as security zones. This initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to combat illegal mining activities. Despite growing calls for the declaration of a state of emergency, the government has expressed its preference to exhaust all available options first. Speaking on the Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, media relations officer for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, explained that the plan to designate these areas as security zones would integrate existing efforts to tackle illegal mining. This approach aims to effectively address the problem without resorting to declaring a state of emergency.
Mr. Schandorf also urged critics to fairly assess the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining instead of echoing the views of political opponents.
By focusing on protecting water bodies and forests, the government aims to safeguard vital environmental resources from the damaging effects of illegal mining activities.
Elikplim Awuku
