The Ashanti Regional minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene has provided a public update on ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in the Ashanti Region, highlighting priority areas identified for immediate action following directives from the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
According to Dr. Amoakohene, the key zones targeted for strict enforcement include mining activities in forest reserves, along river bodies, by roadsides, and operations involving foreign actors. These critical areas are being monitored and managed by the National Inter-Ministerial Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce (NIAMOS), with coordinated support from RECSEC and various MDISECs.
Mining outside these restricted zones remains permissible only when certified by R COMSDEP. Dr. Amoakohene urged the public to support the crackdown by providing timely and accurate information on illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding the region’s natural resources.
He further announced that large-scale land reclamation initiatives are set to begin in collaboration with district assemblies and relevant agencies, following months of progress in curbing illegal mining. The reclamation efforts will be accompanied by measures to prevent any resurgence of mining in restricted zones.
To strengthen protection around rivers, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is deploying additional Blue River Guards to the affected districts, complementing ongoing land restoration work.
Dr. Amoakohene reiterated the government’s commitment to a coordinated, transparent, and sustained approach to protecting the environment and promoting a responsible mining sector in the Ashanti Region.
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