HON. DOMINIC GYASI CALLS FOR STRONGER COLLABORATION TO ADDRESS MINING-RELATED DEFORESTATION

The Municipal Chief Executive for the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly, Hon. Dominic Gyasi, has called for stronger collaboration among relevant institutions and stakeholders to address the environmental challenges associated with irresponsible mining.

The MCE made the call when he participated in a One-Day Regional Multi-Stakeholder Mining Forum held in the Western North Region under the theme, “Reducing Deforestation Caused by Pervasive Irresponsible Mining.”

The forum was organised by the Nature and Development Foundation (NDF) in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Minerals Commission to discuss practical measures to reduce deforestation caused by irresponsible mining.

Delivering the institutional statement on behalf of the Assembly, Hon. Gyasi highlighted the Assembly’s interventions and measures to promote accountable and transparent mineral governance.

He noted that although illegal mining is not particularly rampant in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, the Assembly remains firmly opposed to illegal mining and would not tolerate activities that threaten the Municipality’s forests, water bodies and other environmental resources. He stated that the Assembly would continue to work with relevant institutions and stakeholders to prevent illegal mining activities from gaining a foothold in the Municipality.

He called for continuous monitoring of mining activities, effective enforcement of environmental regulations and closer collaboration among the Assembly, security agencies, traditional authorities, regulatory institutions and mining communities.

Hon. Gyasi also stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and community participation in mineral governance, noting that coordinated efforts are essential to protecting the region’s forests and other environmental resources.

The forum brought together stakeholders from across the region to share experiences and discuss practical measures to promote responsible mining and protect the environment.