A task force against illegal mining, led by Captain (Retired) John Kwame Jabari, has launched a 24-hour joint operation with the Forestry Commission to combat illegal mining in forest reserves across the Ashanti Region .
This operation is a significant step towards addressing the menace of illegal mining, which has been a major concern for the region.
The task force, led by Captain Jabari, aims to tackle illegal mining activities in the region, which have been causing significant environmental damage and economic losses.
The operation will involve a team of security personnel and forestry officials, who will work together to identify and dismantle illegal mining operations in the region.
One of the key strategies of the task force is to operate a 24-hour surveillance system, which will enable them to monitor the activities of illegal miners and take swift action against them. This approach is expected to be more effective than previous efforts, which have been hampered by the lack of adequate resources and manpower.
The launch of the task force is a welcome development, given the severity of the illegal mining problem in the Ashanti Region. The region is rich in mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and bauxite, which has made it a hub for mining activities. However, the lack of effective regulation and enforcement has led to widespread illegal mining, which has caused significant environmental damage and economic losses.
The Ashanti Region has been at the forefront of the fight against illegal mining, with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, playing a key role in the efforts to combat the menace. The Asantehene has been vocal about the need to protect the region’s natural resources and has taken steps to support the efforts of the task force.
The Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin project, which was launched in 2021, is one of the initiatives that has been supporting the efforts to combat illegal mining in the region. The project aims to promote responsible gold mining practices and has been working with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders to support the efforts of the task force ².
The launch of the task force is a significant step towards addressing the menace of illegal mining in the Ashanti Region. With the support of the Asantehene and other stakeholders, the task force is expected to make a significant impact in the region and help to protect its natural resources.
Key Objectives of the Task Force:
– _To combat illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region_
– _To protect the region’s natural resources, including forests and water bodies_
– _To promote responsible gold mining practices_
– _To support the efforts of the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining_
The Way Forward:
The launch of the task force is a significant step towards addressing the menace of illegal mining in the Ashanti Region. However, it is only the beginning of a long and challenging journey. The task force will need to work closely with other stakeholders, including the Forestry Commission, the Minerals Commission, and local communities, to achieve its objectives.
The support of the Asantehene and other stakeholders will be critical to the success of the task force. The Asantehene’s leadership and influence will be essential in mobilizing support for the task force and promoting responsible gold mining practices in the region.
Ultimately, the success of the task force will depend on its ability to work effectively with other stakeholders and to promote a culture of responsible gold mining practices in the region. With the support of the Asantehene and other stakeholders, the task force can make a significant impact in the region and help to protect its natural resources.
Source:Ayisah Foster||The Punch newspaper
