Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has said political apparatchiks are to blame for the destruction of the forest reserves not reputable mining companies.
According to the nominee, out of political favours, the lee way has been given to some illegal miners who are undertaking mining activities in reserved forest areas. "Let me say that these very reputable companies who have been mining in our forest reserves are not the reason why our forest is bleeding today. "The reason why our forest is being degraded and destroyed is because we have allowed political apparatchiks to take over our forest and destroy it," he said during his vetting on Monday, January 27, 2025.
He further assured that under his administration, no license will be issued for mining in forest reserves.
Mr Buah noted that the country's forest reserves have been excessively damaged and it's time such activities end.
