The Western North Regional Peace Council has expressed grave concerns over the alarming increase in illegal logging and mining (galamsey) activities in the region, warning that these unlawful operations threaten the environment, community livelihoods, and overall security.
In a strong statement issued on Tuesday, March 25, Most Rev. Samuel Nkuah Boateng, Chairman of the Western North Regional Peace Council, called on the government to take urgent and decisive action to halt these destructive activities, particularly in forest reserves around Agyemandiem, Enchi, and other affected areas.
“The lawlessness associated with illegal logging and mining fuels insecurity, disrupts local livelihoods, and undermines efforts to maintain peace and order in the region,” Most Rev. Samuel Nkuah Boateng emphasized.
He cited recent violent clashes involving illegal operators, community members, and security agencies as clear evidence of the growing unrest these activities are causing.
According to him, if swift interventions are not implemented, the situation could spiral out of control, leading to further instability.
The Peace Council has joined forces with well-meaning groups advocating for enhanced enforcement of environmental and mining regulations to curb these illegal operations.
They are urging the government to strengthen security measures, empower local law enforcement, and impose stricter penalties on perpetrators and their sponsors.
“As a council committed to fostering peace and stability, we call on all stakeholders—including traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society organizations, politicians, and community members—to collaborate with the government in addressing this pressing security challenge,” Most Rev. Samuel Nkuah Boateng stated.
The Peace Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the Western North Region and urged everyone to work together to protect the environment and safeguard their communities.
STATEMENT FROM THE WESTERN NORTH REGIONAL PEACE COUNCIL
THE WESTERN NORTH REGIONAL PEACE COUNCIL REMAINS COMMITTED TO FOSTERING PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE REGION.
The Western North Regional Peace Council has observed with deep concern the increasing cases of illegal logging and mining (Galamsey) activities in the region, particularly in the forest reserves around Agyemandiem, Enchi, and other affected areas. These activities pose significant threats not only to the environment but also to the security and stability of our communities.
Recent clashes in these areas underscore the urgent need for decisive action. Reports of violent confrontations between illegal operators, community members, and security agencies highlight the potential for escalating conflicts if immediate and decisive interventions are not undertaken. The lawlessness associated with these activities fuels insecurity, disrupts local livelihoods, and undermines efforts to maintain peace and order in the region.
In this regard, the Western North Regional Peace Council passionately appeals to the government to act swiftly and decisively to address these “two evils” of illegal logging and mining activities. The Peace Council stands with all well-meaning groups advocating for enhanced enforcement of environmental and mining regulations to curb illegal operations.
We further urge the government to strengthen security interventions, empower local law enforcement, and enforce stricter penalties against perpetrators and their sponsors.
The Western North Regional Peace Council remains committed to fostering peace and stability in the region. We call on all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society organizations, politicians, and community members, to collaborate with the government in addressing this pressing security challenge.
Let us work together to preserve our environment, safeguard our communities, and ensure lasting peace in the Western North Region.
God bless our region!!
SIGNED:
MOST REV. SAMUEL NKUAH BOATENG
(Chairman, Regional Peace Council, Western North Region)
