The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has made it clear that no amount of political or financial influence will interfere with the government's fight against illegal mining.
Speaking to the media on Monday, February 24, during a visit to the Offin-Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Nkawie Forest District, Ashanti Region, the minister revealed that he has already started receiving calls from powerful individuals attempting to secure the release of arrested Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.
However, he firmly rejected these attempts, stressing that the only person who has the authority to instruct him on such matters is the President of the Republic. "Let me warn those trying to intervene on behalf of Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining. "Yesterday, I received one of those calls, and I made it clear-the only person who can instruct me to release them is the President of the Republic… And let me assure you, the President will not call anybody," he declared.
In addition to rejecting interference, the minister sent a strong message to illegal miners and their financiers, warning that authorities are closing in on them.
