The Minister for Lands and Natural Resource, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has directed people in the mining communities undertaking mining reconnaissance and prospecting in forest reserves across the country to suspend their activities indefinitely.
Mr. Jinapor revealed his ministry has also directed the Minerals Commission to desist from processing or granting any request for the renewal of prospecting licenses in forest reserves.
“The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources hereby directs persons and/or companies engaged in reconnaissance and prospecting in Forest Reserves, with or without legal authorization, to suspend such activities until further notice.
“ Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has further directed the Minerals Commission, with immediate effect, not to accept, process and/or recommend the grant, including the renewal and extension, of reconnaissance and prospecting licenses in Forest Reserves.”
Samuel Jinapor
He averred that except as directed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in writing, all activities and operations in respect of any reconnaissance and prospecting licences in Forest Reserves will remain suspended until further notice.
The Minister’s directive comes on the back of a revelation that a number of individuals;and companies unlawfully acquire licences under the pretext of undertaking reconnaissance;or prospecting in Forest Reserves and proceed to engage in illegal mining in such Forest Reserves.
Security notified to undertake exercise
Mr. Samuel Jinapor also said the various regional security councils have been notified about the directive and are to strictly enforce it.
The Minister’s directive comes a week after a national consultative dialogue on small-scale mining was held;between the government and all stakeholders in the mining sector, on how to curb illegal small-scale mining.
Among the resolutions adopted at the dialogue was a charge to the government to take steps to strictly apply laws;and also sanctions to all persons who infringe the law, irrespective of political colour or socio-economic status or class.
Mr. Jinapor revealed that many individuals and companies, under the pretext of undertaking reconnaissance;or prospecting, engage in illegal mining in forest reserves. And this practice, he said, continues to have adverse consequences on the environment.
He stated that all companies and individuals already undertaking reconnaissance and/or prospecting in Ghana’s forest reserves;have up to seven days to cease their operations.
“The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, accordingly, hereby gives persons and/or companies;engaged in reconnaissance and/or prospecting in Forest Reserves, seven (7) days from the date of the publication of this notice, to cease their operations and evacuate their equipment accordingly.”
Samuel Jinapor
He further noted the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has a mandate to ensure the sustainable management;and utilization of the nation’s lands, forests and wildlife resources. Also, his outfit has the mandate to manage efficiently the mineral resources for socio-economic growth and development.
The President at the beginning or the year assured all citizens that the he will fight against illegal mining activities by the end of his administration. And as such he reposed confidence in the Minster for Lands and Natural Resource to carry out the mandate.
