The Member of Parliament for Juaben Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Francis Owusu Achiaw, has stated that the NDC government will not muster the courage to ban mining in forest reserves.
According to the MP, the NDC government is aware that imposing such a ban would have adverse effects on the country’s economy, which is why they are dragging their feet in laying the bill on the floor of Parliament.
Speaking on OTEC 102.9 FM’s afternoon political show Dwabrem hosted by Prince Nii Ardey aka Dr Cash, the NPP MP disclosed that most large-scale mining companies have concessions in forest reserves and are already operational, putting the government in a difficult position.
He noted that this is the reason behind the government’s hesitance to move forward with the ban.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022, L.I. 2462, be revoked as soon as possible.
Although a bill was laid in Parliament on March 20 to amend portions of L.I 2462, the new directive aims to revoke the regulations entirely to protect the country’s forest reserves from further exploitation.
However, Hon. Francis Owusu Achiaw believes that the president is hesitant due to the revenue generated from small-scale miners operating in forest reserves.
He emphasized that Parliament is waiting for the bill to be laid on the floor of the House and assured that they will discuss it in the interest of the country if presented.
The MP’s comments suggest that the government’s decision to revoke the regulations may be influenced by economic considerations rather than environmental concerns.
If the bill is presented to Parliament, the MPs will engage in a thorough discussion to determine the best course of action for the country.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
