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The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi Buah, has revealed that nine forest reserves have been completely taken over by illegal miners, leaving the Forestry Commission with no control over them.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament today, the Minister described the situation as a national crisis requiring immediate intervention.
“This situation has assumed crisis proportions with dire national, security, and public health consequences that require immediate attention,” he stated.
He further explained that the growing activities of illegal miners in these reserves have made it nearly impossible for the authorities to enforce regulations.
According to the Minister, out of the country’s 288 forest reserves, 44 are currently under serious attack by illegal miners.
These miners, he said, are heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and operate with impunity, making it extremely difficult for forest guards and the Rapid Response Team to contain their activities.
“Over nine of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining gangs with impunity. The Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves,” he revealed.
The Minister emphasized the need for urgent action to reclaim the affected reserves and protect the country’s natural resources.
