By: Felix Cofie.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has charged agencies under his Ministry in the Bono Region not to allow illegal mining popularly known as galamsey from gaining ground in the Region.
At a meeting with the sector agencies, made up of the Forestry, Lands and Minerals Commissions, as well as the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands in Sunyani, he emphasized that in view of the prevention of galamsey in the region, no public land should be granted anywhere in Ghana except been done with the express authorization of the Lands Minister which by extension is the expression authorization of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
On welfare issues raised by some of the workers, the Minister assured the staff that arrangements are being made to ensure that their allowance are paid and paid regularly, expecially with the concerns of the Youth in Afforestation programme.
He called on the agencies to support the ministry in it quest to curb illegal mining, protect public lands and restore the nation forest cover which he described as high on the agenda of government.
The Minister expressed his utmost appreciation to the staff for their contributions and efforts so far, adding that he looks forward to their assistance as the Ministry prepares to lead the nation to plant 20 million more trees next year in the Green Ghana campaign.