President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive prohibiting government officials from engaging in any form of mining, effective immediately. Apexnewsgh reports
This move is part of his broader environmental agenda, which includes revoking mining leases in forest reserves and banning new leases in protected areas.
Speaking at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, President Mahama emphasized that any government official wishing to venture into mining must first resign from their position. “If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go be a miner,” he declared. Mahama warned that officials found violating this directive will face severe consequences, including dismissal.
The President also instructed security and regulatory agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, citing recent successes in reclaiming devastated forest reserves. He described illegal mining as a national crisis, highlighting its far-reaching consequences on the economy, public health, and livelihoods.
The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, a key component of Mahama’s 120-day social contract, aims to restore degraded lands affected by illegal mining and deforestation.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah underscored the program’s urgency, warning that Ghana’s forest cover is depleting at an alarming rate, posing serious ecological risks.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
