According to Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the destruction of forest reserves by illegal miners is on par with 7,500 football fields.
He claims that more than forty-four forest reserves, totaling thirty hectares, have been destroyed.
He stated that measures are being done to secure the green field while on a tour of the Offin Shelter Belt at Anwiafutu in the Ashanti region to observe the destruction of the forest.
The regional Security Council, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti regional minister, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources visited the Offin Shelter Belt in Anwiafutu in the Atwima Mponua District.
Speaking to reporters on the scene, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah compared the illegal miners’ destruction of forest reserves to 7,500 football fields.
He underlined that the fight against galamsey will not be a one-night stand since those who commit the crime will be held accountable.
“This goes to the police officers, this government is strongly behind you to do your job and make sure that you bring perpetrators who are killing us to book without fear nor favor,” he tasked the police.
The Minister claimed that the process of recovering devastated lands had already begun.
Calls for public support in the fight against galamsey were made by Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah.
Source: myjoyonline.com