The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel AbdulaiJinapor, has announced that exploration, prospecting and documentations would commence soon in the Bono East Region (BE/R), to fully harness the mineral deposits in the area.

Addressing heads of departments, traditional authorities and the media on Tuesday in Techiman, the Bono East regional capital, as part of his official visit to the region, Mr Jinapor was optimistic the area would be a major producer of gold and crude oil.

He disclosed that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) had earlier visited the sites for oil deposits in the region, saying that same would be done to gold-dominated communities.

The Lands and Natural Resource Minister reiterated the efforts of the government to preserve the forest cover of the country, especially Bono East, Ahafo and Bono regions adding that Nananom, residents and other stakeholders must support.

“Illegal lumbering and charcoal production are on the ascendancy in the Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions. The only forest reserves in the country are found in the three regions. We have to protect them, “he noted.

Mr Jinapor was, however, worried about how the country was gradually losing all its timber in the three regions to the neighbouring countries, through a cartel of locals and expatriates in the wood business.

The Bono East Regional Minister, Mr AduGyan, thanked Mr Jinapor for his relentless efforts to protect the forest cover of the country, and pledged the region’s support to the national discourse.

Mr AduGyan solicited logistical support from the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, to aid the Forest Service Division in the region to fight illegal miners and loggers.

“Illegal mining menace popularly known as galamsey is also a major threat to the preservation of our lands and natural resources. I am elated the sector minister is ready to collaborate with us,” the Regional Minister added.

Mr AduGyan disclosed that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) would organise a sensitisation workshop for identifiable groups, and build the human resource capacities towards mining of gold and oil in the BE/R.

The President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, Pimampim Yaw Kabrease VI, promised the support of chiefs and people of the region towards the fight against lumbering and charcoal production.

Pimampim Yaw Kabrease, who is also the Omanhene of YejiTraditional Council, appealed to Mr AbdulaiJinapor to supply the regional house of chiefs with logistics and administrative materials.