President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi has described government’s decision to confiscate equipment used in illegal mining operations in forests and on river bodies as timely and prudent.
Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi said this when the Chief Executive of the Forest Commission, John Allotey paid a courtesy call at his palace at Sefwi Anhiawso in the Western North Region.
He said Ghanaians should unite to urgently resolve concerns with forest and river bodies.
He pointed out that government has been criticized for burning mining equipment in the forests, but disagreed with suggestions that the equipment could be put to more beneficial use.
Referencing the case of missing excavators, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi said officialdom’s inability to properly account for the 400 excavators, makes it difficult for providing alternatives.
The team from the Forestry Commission is in the region to ascertain compliance with government’s ban on mining in forest reserves and on water bodies.OgyeahohoGyebi, also Paramount Chief of SefwiAnhwiasosuggests the naming and shaming of traditional leaders involved in illegal mining.
Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, John Allotey commended Ogyeahohoo Gyebi for supporting preservation of forest resources, including the distribution of free tree seedlings to residents.
