Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has revealed that the destruction of forest reserves by illegal miners is equivalent to 7,500 football fields.
He claims that thirty hectares, or more than forty-four forest reserves, had been destroyed.
In the Ashanti area, he stated measures are being done to secure the green field during a tour of the Offin Shelter Belt at Anwiafutu to observe the destruction of the forest.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti regional minister, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the regional Security Council, 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 is quoted by myjoyonline.com as saying while tasking the police.
KA