She said efforts to stop the illegal activity, to safeguard the environment, could struggle without strong support from everybody – traditional leaders, assembly members, the security agencies and community members.

It was important for all to find space to contribute to the protection of the forest, water bodies, food crop farms and farmlands.   She was speaking at a consultative meeting held by the District Committee against Illegal Mining with key stakeholders at Juaboso.

This brought together chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly members, the security agencies, unit committee members and heads of institution.  Madam Kwayie Manu underlined the government’s unwavering resolve to ensure sustainability of the environmental and said the intention was not to collapse small scale mining.

She indicated that the significant role played by small scale mining in the nation’s socio-economic development was not in doubt but things should be properly done – streamlined. Operators in the sector needed to conform to the minerals and mining laws to enable the nation to derive optimal benefits.

The DCE pointed out that small scale mining should be done by Ghanaians and not foreigners - using illegal means to extract gold and leaving the environment in complete mess. She asked people in the area to bold to report any illegal mining activity in their communities to the Committee for prompt action.

 The chief of Sefwi Boizan and Krontihene of Sefwi-Wiawso Traditional Area, Nana Ntaadu III, encouraged his colleague traditional rulers to do more to protect the nation’s natural resources. He commended the government for the bold step and pledged the support of the chiefs.

 Nana Ntaadu appealed to the youth not to allow themselves to be used by selfish people to engage in illegal mining.   He announced that ‘Star Gold’, would soon commence mining operation in the area and said, that could create jobs for the youth.