The Member of Parliament for the Amenfi West Constituency, Eric Afful has called for investigations into the issuance of a mining license to Akwantu Mines to undertake small-scale mining in the Tano-Nimiri River.
The MP said the investigations are critical in establishing the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the license by the Mineral Commission at a time mining in forest reserves has been prohibited.
He believes findings and recommendations of the investigation would help end the wanton destruction of the country’s forest and their natural cover, river body and farmlands.
The Tano Nimiri Forest the MP said, is a concession granted to Timber Processing Company Samartex Timber and Plywood Company Limited by the Forestry Commission and wondered how same forest has been given out to be mined.
In his view, the encroachment of the forest by the mining firm could push SAMARTEX out of business and lead to the retrenchment of at least half if the company’s staff.
He expresses fear that the security of the area could be compromised as there is a likelihood of a clash between the security guards of the mining firm and the forest guards.
Mr Affful said , the investigation must include the Ministries of National Security and Lands and Natural Resources, the Foresty and Minerals Commission and Chiefs of the area.
The Tano Nimiri Forest lies between between Amenfi West and Aowin Municipalities in the Western and Western North Regions.
