Dr. Amoakohene with some ministers during the inspection
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining following the seizure of excavators and other equipment from the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve.
During an inspection at Nkawie alongside the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that the seized equipment would serve as evidence in legal proceedings against illegal miners.
He noted that fifteen excavators used for illegal activities were among the items confiscated and would also be used to aid investigations.
“For us, this is a significant step in protecting our forest reserves. We are determined to take decisive action against illegal miners and reclaim the lands,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.
He commended the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard natural resources and urged illegal miners to cease their activities voluntarily, warning that those arrested should not expect intervention from any authorities.
“We have issued a clear directive: leave on your own, or you will be arrested. Those who are caught should not expect any political or influential backing,” he stressed.
Dr. Amoakohene also acknowledged the role of security agencies and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining, expressing gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Lands, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Interior for their continuous support in this national effort.
Dr. Amoakohene assured that alternative employment opportunities were being explored for individuals affected by the clampdown on illegal mining.
He highlighted the “Tree for Life” project, which aims to provide sustainable livelihoods for youth while ensuring environmental protection.
“We must secure jobs for the youth while ensuring the environment is protected. That is why we are taking a holistic approach to this fight,” he added.
The minister also disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed a halt on the burning of excavators during anti-Galamsey operations across the country.
He said, “his excellency President John Dramani Mahama has directed we shouldn’t burn excavators again but rather confiscate them and add them to the drip equipment for use at the district levels”.
He added “At the moment, we have started taking over all the forest reserve which has been hijacked by the illegal mining across the Ashanti region. The government through the Ministry of Land and Natural Resource will later launch a tree for life project accompanied by reclamation in the forest to restore forest lands.”