By Nana Kwame Essel
Twifo Pepekurom (C/R), Dec. 9, GNA-Traditional leaders have been urged to safeguard the environment and avoid giving lands to illegal miners, whose activities threatened the livelihoods of the people.
Patron for the Kakum Hotspot Intervention Area in the Twifo-Hemang- Lower-Denkyira District of the Central Region, Nana Baffour Apenteng X, made the call during the second anniversary celebration of the Kakum Hotspot Intervention Area at Twifo Paso-Camp Area.
Nana Baffour, the Krontihene of Assin Jakai and Assin Praso, expressed concern about illegal mining activities, which were destroying forest reserves where many local residents farm for their livelihoods.
He noted that climate change had already disrupted farming seasons, making it difficult for farmers to predict the right time to plant.
Subsequently, any further environmental destruction from galamsey, he warned, would worsen the challenges.
The event, held under the theme: “Sustaining Our Natural Resources for Future Generations,” brought together several key stakeholders.
Among them were Mr Elijah Kpaal from the Collaborative Resource Management Unit of the Kakum Forest Reserve, Mr Denis Nuobeikaa from the Human Resource Department of the Forest Services Division in Assin Fosu, and the Assembly Member for the Afeaso-Nsuaem Electoral Area, Mr Stephen Cobina.
Addressing the media, Mr Kpaal encouraged farmers to continue protecting the forest, emphasising its importance to their survival.
Mr Nuobeikaa also cautioned the public against cutting down trees illegally, stressing that offenders could face a minimum of two years imprisonment.
Mr Cobina urged Ghanaians to support the initiative of protecting forest reserves, pointing out that the government spent huge sums of money fighting illegal mining when that funds could otherwise be used to improve roads and build educational facilities.
Mr Anthony Nana Acquah, Chairman of the Twifo-Paso Sub-Camp Hotspot Intervention Area, appealed to traditional leaders to stand firm against illegal mining.
He highlighted the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves and warned leaders not to allow politicians to influence them.
Mr Acquah noted that the15 communities surrounding the Kakum Forest depended on responsible stewardship, and vowed never to allow the destruction of what he called “God’s gift” to the people and nation at large.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Christian Akorlie