'Political party kingpins have taken over forest reserves' – Jinapor calls for pre-laying procedure on galamsey

In a recent statement, Ghana's Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, expressed concerns over the alarming encroachment of political figures into the management of forest reserves. He highlighted that these individuals are exploiting these vital ecological zones for illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey." Jinapor emphasized the need for stricter regulations and a pre-laying procedure to address this growing menace effectively.

During discussions in Parliament, he underscored that existing laws should be enforced rigorously to protect the nation’s natural resources from being misappropriated by those in power. The minister's remarks come amid escalating tensions surrounding illegal mining operations that threaten both environmental sustainability and community livelihoods. Jinapor called on lawmakers to prioritize legislative measures aimed at safeguarding forest reserves and ensuring accountability among those who violate established protocols. His appeal underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government entities and civil society to combat illegal activities that compromise Ghana's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.