Avoid water bodies and forest reserves- Ashanti Regional Minister warns miners

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has cautioned small-scale miners to strictly stay within approved mining boundaries and avoid operating in restricted areas.

The warning was issued during a stakeholder engagement with small-scale miners and community leaders across the Amansie communities in the Ashanti Region.

According to the Minister, the government does not consider mining itself as a bad activity, but it will not tolerate illegal mining practices that destroy the environment and natural resources.

Addressing participants at the meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, Dr. Amoakohene stressed that small-scale miners must not operate in two key protected areas—water bodies and forest reserves.

He warned that any individual or group found mining in these prohibited areas will face the full consequences of the law, as the government intensifies efforts to protect the country’s natural resources.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Jacob Agyenim Boateng, Kumasi.