Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has delivered a stern two-week ultimatum to illegal miners operating in forest reserves and along waterways in the region.
The Minister emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, stating his commitment to collaborating with other regional ministers for a coordinated effort to eradicate the harmful practice, particularly on shared water resources.
“Those using forest reserves for mining should vacate those spaces. We are giving them up to two weeks,” Dr. Amoakohene stated firmly. If you are mining within the forest reserves and you don’t want to be on the bad side of the law, you have two weeks to vacate those spaces”. Dr. Amoakohene warned.
He issued similar deadlines to those polluting water bodies, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting the region’s natural resources.
The Minister highlighted the need for a coordinated approach, stating he would be working closely with other regional ministers to clamp down on these illegal miners, especially those on water bodies.
He acknowledged that many of the region’s rivers flow through other areas, requiring a united front to effectively address the issue.
Beyond the immediate focus on law enforcement, Dr. Amoakohene emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance. He revealed that he had met with representatives from 13 political parties operating in the Ashanti region.
“Yesterday I met all political leaders and representatives of all the political parties in the Ashanti region. It was an opportunity to work together hand in hand to make sure that we develop the Ashanti Region.” He revealed.
Dr. Amoakohene said this during an Ashanti development dialogue press conference held at the RCC.