The government of Ghana must take urgent steps to uphold party discipline and put an end to illegal mining activities that are destroying the country’s forest reserves.
Speaking with aggrieved residents in the Enchi municipality who expressed deep concern over the invasion of the company’s concession by individuals using political connections to operate with impunity.
They noted that the company’s concession, which forms part of Ghana’s forest reserves, has been protected for generations. However, in recent years, unscrupulous individuals, allegedly government appointees and party loyalists, have encroached on the area.
Despite President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to halt all licensed operations in forest reserves with immediate effect, these individuals continue to engage in illegal mining activities in restricted areas.
Mr. Danso specifically accused an alleged Member of Parliament (MP) for the Aowin Constituency and the Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency of using their influence and thugs to promote illegal mining.
In line with the affected forest reserves include the Tano Nimiri, Tano Anwia, and Boi Tano reserves. Additionally, the Boin River has been severely polluted by illegal miners, who reportedly claim affiliation with the ruling party.
The aggrieved residents have called on the President to take immediate action against the alleged MP and Deputy Director of Operations to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
Meanwhile, the Forestry District Director at Enchi, Mr. Joe Appiah Frimpong, has revealed a violent attack on the Forestry Rapid Response Team.
According to him, a notorious individual known as Karim attacked the team at their office, severing one officer’s hand with a cutlass.
Karim and his group also seized weapons from the team and took them to the Enchi Police Station, where they falsely reported that the forestry officials had attacked their mining sites and burned their properties.
Upon receiving the report, Mr. Frimpong quickly contacted the police command, leading to the release of his men. They were given medical forms and taken to the hospital for treatment.
In a separate incident, Mr. Frimpong recounted that a confrontation resulted in one fatality and four people sustaining injuries. The injured individuals were rushed to the hospital, and the attending doctor alerted the police.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered that the attack was orchestrated by Karim. Law enforcement swiftly arrested him and placed him in custody.
However, following court proceedings, Karim and his associates were granted bail due to a lack of evidence, despite clear indications that they had attacked the forestry officials.
Mr. Frimpong expressed disappointment over the ruling but remains hopeful that justice will be served in the next court hearing.
By Joseph Nana Yaw Cobbina
