In the company of the Deputy Minister responsible for Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, MP, and other officials of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Sector minister Samuel Abu Jinapor paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The visit was to thank King for his support to the Ministry in the discharge of its mandate and to ask for his continuous assistance for the efficient management and utilisation of the natural resources of our country.
The Asantehene graciously received the delegation and assured us of his usual guidance and wise counsel.
The minister’s team also called on the Mamponghene and occupant of the Silver Stool, Dasabre Osei Bonsu II, to deliberate on matters relating to the exploitation and management of the natural resources in the Mampong traditional area.
Thereafter, the team again met with Queenmothers within the Asanteman Council, to solicit their support in the fight against illegal mining and illegal logging, including Rosewood.
Among others, we discussed Government’s aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme, and how traditional leaders can support this programme through commercial forest plantation.
Later in the day, Mr Abu Jinapor addressed an Information Session for prospective plantation developers on the loan Scheme of the Forest Investment Programme (FIP), at the Forestry Commission Training Centre in Akyawkrom, Ejisu.
The Loan Scheme of FIP is a Seven Million Dollars (US$7,000,000) concessionary loan agreement to support small to medium-scale plantation development by stimulating private sector investment in commercial forest plantation, through the provision of financial assistance and technical support to small and medium-scale forest plantation investors.
The information session was to prepare the prospective developers towards the disbursement of this loan.
Finally, I visited the Kumasi Zoo, located in the heart of the vibrant city of Kumasi. The zoo is home to several rare animal species and provides a conducive environment to relax and connect with nature.
As we approach the festive season, the minister encouraged all residents and visitors to patronise our zoos and promote domestic ecotourism.
He added, “The natural resources of our country remain the property of the people of Ghana, and Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will continue to pursue policies and programmes for the effective and efficient management and utilisation of these resources for the benefit of the Ghanaian people”.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
