By Alex Baah Boadi
Sefwi Wiawso (WN/R), Sept. 26, GNA- Nature and Development Foundation (NDF) an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), with support from Knowledge for World Conservation Ghana, Chainsaw and Timber Dealers Union have held a day’s Regional Multi-Stakeholder Mining Forum in the Western North Region.
The forum aimed at providing a platform for state and non-state actors to brainstorm, share perspectives and identify practical and collaborative approaches to promote responsible mineral governance.
Held under the theme: “Reducing Deforestation Caused by Pervasive Irresponsible Mining,” was attended by representatives from the Regional Coordinating Council, Municipal and District Assemblies, Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission, Water Resources Commission, traditional and religious leaders, among others.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Glen Asomaning, Operations Director of NDF, explained that the forum provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to examine the impacts of mining, particularly its contribution to deforestation, and to explore avenues for promoting responsible mining, while protecting water resources, forests and other natural resources in the Ahafo and Western North Regions.
He said mining was one of the activities that destroyed forest reserves, hence the importance of the forum in the Western North Region, which is a mining area.
He called on residents to collaborate to ensure responsible mining to protect the future of the country.
He expressed the hope that participants would take what they learnt to their respective institutions and communities to make the essence of the forum realised, so that the positive impact of forests would benefit everyone, including future generations.
Nana Elluo Panin III, Chief of Sefwi Nsuansua and Kyidomhene of the Wiawso Traditional Council, who chaired the forum, commended Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Region for their swift response in the fight against illegal mining.
Nana Elluo Panin blamed citizens for some emerging illegal mining activities and called on the people to be honest in the fight against illegal mining.
Some participants, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, lauded NDF for the engagement and pledged to ensure illegal mining was reduced to the barest minimum in the area.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Bertha Badu Agyei/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter Alex Baah Boadi