The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has directed individuals and companies prospecting for minerals in forest reserves with or without legal authorisation to halt such activity.
He said the decision was necessitated by the adverse effects of the action on the environment.
The Minister said some unscrupulous individuals and organisations acquired permits for reconnaissance or prospecting in the forest only to engage in illegal mining.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Minister.
The statement directed the Mineral Commission not to accept, process, or recommend a permit to any individual.
“Renewal or extension of permit to prospect in forest reserves has also been temporarily halted,” it said.
Persons and companies engaging in reconnaissance and prospecting in forest reserves have been given seven days to cease operation and evacuate their equipment, it added.
Mr Jinabor asked all Regional Security Councils to strictly enforce the directive.
Constance Evans-Kekrebesi, ISD