The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Forestry Manager, Kobbina Badu Baiden, has expressed deep concerns over the challenges faced in addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, within the district’s forest reserves.
He emphasized that illegal mining is causing significant harm to Ghana’s forests and has called for stronger support from various stakeholders, including chiefs, media, and other community leaders, to combat this issue.
Kobbina Badu Baiden highlighted a lack of adequate support from stakeholders as a major obstacle in tackling illegal mining activities.
He pointed out that police prosecutors responsible for handling galamsey cases have not provided updates on the progress of these cases for several months.
Kobbina Badu Baiden said this lack of communication and transparency has left the forestry staff demoralized and frustrated, especially after risking their safety to apprehend illegal miners in forest reserves.
“The illegal mining activities lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, undermining our efforts to preserve Ghana’s rich biodiversity,” Baiden noted.
The Forestry Manager’s concerns underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the galamsey menace, which has been a persistent issue in Ghana, resulting in environmental degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Kobbina Badu Baiden called on all stakeholders to join forces in the fight against illegal mining activities in forest reserves.
He emphasized that combating galamsey requires collaboration between government agencies, traditional authorities, and local communities.
“We need a collective effort to address this issue, as it affects us all,” he stressed.
Source | Dailytimesgh.com
