We're watching you Closely - NPP MP to Lands Minister

Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East who doubles as the Chairperson for Lands and Forestry Committee in the Parliament, Hon. Francis Manu- Adabor has revealed that, the committee is watching Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Abu Jinapor closely. According to him, they will ensure that the banning of mining activities in the forest reserves have been strictly enforced by the Minister. The government has directed all persons undertaking mining reconnaissance and prospecting in forest reserves across the country to indefinitely suspend such activities. It has also directed the Minerals Commission to desist from processing or granting any request for the renewal of prospecting licenses in forest reserves. In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, said the various regional security councils have been notified about the directive and are to strictly enforce it. The Minister’s directive comes a week after a national consultative dialogue on small-scale mining was held between the government and all stakeholders in the mining sector, on how to curb illegal small-scale mining. Hon. Adabor added that, they will summon him to order if he fails to implement the banning activities in the reserves. He noted that, a lot of communities are lamenting bitterly due to the mining activities in the areas. He revealed that, a lot of trees had been destroyed by these mining activities hence the need for the Minister to stop all mining activities in the forest reserve.