The Operations Director of the Nature and Development Foundation (NDF), Mr. Glen Asomaning, has urged stakeholders to protect forest reserves in Ahafo Region from exploitation. He made the call at a multi-stakeholder mining forum in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital. The forum, organized by NDF in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Authority, and the Minerals Commission, discussed the theme: “Reducing Deforestation Caused by Pervasive Irresponsible Mining.”
Mr. Asomaning indicated that a study showed no current illegal mining activity in the region's forest reserves, but emphasized the need for collective action to prevent future exploitation. He noted that illegal mining remained one of the greatest threats to forest reserves and called for concerted approaches to stem the menace. The forum was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, small-scale miners, civil society organizations, and the media.
The stakeholders at the forum called on the government to actively engage and involve traditional authorities in the issuance of licenses, permits, and concessions to mining companies and small-scale miners. They argued that chiefs and queens were the embodiment of the people and custodians of lands, and their active involvement would greatly stem the growing illegal mining in the country.
Mr. Asomaning explained that the forum aimed to bring all stakeholders to a common understanding of the need to prevent illegal mining in the Ahafo forest reserves. He emphasized that collective action was necessary to preserve forest reserves for posterity. The NDF, in collaboration with other organizations, seeks to promote sustainable mining practices and protect the environment.
The multi-stakeholder mining forum provided a platform for discussion and collaboration among various stakeholders. Government officials, traditional leaders, and small-scale miners shared perspectives on the issue of illegal mining and its impact on the environment. The forum also highlighted the importance of responsible mining practices and the need for collective action to address the problem.
The call to action by Mr. Asomaning and the stakeholders emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to protect Ghana's forest reserves. The involvement of traditional authorities, government agencies, and civil society organizations is crucial in preventing illegal mining and promoting sustainable mining practices. The NDF's initiative aims to contribute to the preservation of Ghana's natural resources for future generations.
Key points
- The Nature and Development Foundation has called on stakeholders to protect forest reserves in Ahafo Region from exploitation.
- A study showed no current illegal mining activity in the region's forest reserves, but collective action is necessary to prevent future exploitation.
- Stakeholders are calling for the involvement of traditional authorities in the issuance of licenses, permits, and concessions to mining companies and small-scale miners.
