The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has directed all persons or companies engaged in reconnaissance or prospecting in Forest Reserves, with or without legal authorisation, to suspend such activities until further notice.
The Minister further directed the Minerals Commission, with immediate effect, not to accept, process or recommend the grant, including renewal or extension of reconnaissance and prospecting licenses in Forest Reserves.
A statement signed by the Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has given all persons or companies engaged in reconnaissance or prospecting in Forest Reserves, seven days to cease their operations and evacuate their equipment accordingly.
The statement said whereas the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has taken note of the unfortunate and unlawful practice of some persons or companies acquiring licenses under the pretext of undertaking reconnaissance and/or prospecting in Forest Reserves and yet proceed to engage in illegal mining in such Forest Reserves, with its obvious adverse consequences on the environment.
For the avoidance of doubt, except as directed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in writing, all activities and operations in respect of any reconnaissance or prospecting licenses in Forest Reserves are hereby suspended until further notices.
By: Felix Coffie.
