He said it was in everybody’s interest that they took care of the rivers and streams, forests and farmlands.  He was speaking at public forum held at Ofoase by the municipal committee on illegal mining. The goal was to assist the people to have better understanding of the dangers and harmful effects of illicit and unregulated mining.

Mr. Frimpong repeated that the government was not averse to gold mining but that it wanted to see the right things being done - properly regulated. The committee, chaired by the MCE, has been touring the communities to rally the population behind the fight against illegal mining, popularly referred to as ‘galamsey’.

Serving on it are representatives of the Ghana Immigration Service, Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, Ghana Police Service, Traditional Authorities and the Assembly. Mr. Frimpong told the people that the ban on the activity was in force and warned of the arrest and prosecution of anybody who defied the prohibition.

He encouraged the young people to take advantage of the ‘planting for food and jobs’ programme and other interventions introduced by the government to improve their living conditions.  Nana Konadu Yiadom, a member of the committee, urged chiefs and land owners not to connive with illegal miners to ruin the environment.