“I know there are some who believe that the ongoing exercise of ridding our water bodies and forest zones of harmful equipment and machinery is unlawful and, in some cases, harsh. “I strongly disagree, and I would advise those who take a contrary view to go to court to vindicate their position if they so wish. “Indeed, a person in possession of a valid license but undertakes mining in water bodies or mines unlawfully, in protected forest zones also commits an illegality. “Apart from criminal violations of Act 703, the activities of such persons desecrate our environment, pollute our water bodies, and endanger the lives of present and future generations of Ghanaians. “The devastation caused by these equipment is nothing short of evil, and we should not compromise in our efforts to protect our environment, forest reserves and water bodies,” he said.

Source: GhanaWeb May 26, 2021 14:30 UTC