Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve, Ghana – 31st March 2025 – The Office of the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum, categorically refutes recent media allegations suggesting that he supports illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the region.
These claims are entirely false and do not reflect his position or actions. Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum remains firmly committed to protecting Ghana’s natural resources, particularly the Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve, and upholding the government’s vision to eradicate illegal mining.
He has never and will never support illegal mining, nor will he ever stop the Forestry Commission in its efforts to combat galamsey. The Minister is dedicated to ensuring that forest reserves and environmentally sensitive areas are protected for future generations.
The Western North Regional Coordinating Council (REGSEC) continues to collaborate with the Forestry Commission, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the strict enforcement of laws against galamsey. A recent operation in the Bibiani Constituency led to the seizure of several excavators used for illegal mining activities, further demonstrating the government’s firm stance against galamsey.
As the central government intensifies efforts to protect the nation’s forests, the Regional Minister will continue to strongly support anti-galamsey actions and will never condone illegal mining activities.
Any suggestion that the Minister has ordered a halt to galamsey-related arrests is completely untrue. The government’s anti-galamsey agenda remains strong, and all security agencies have been directed to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining across the region, particularly in protected forest areas like the Tano-Anwia Forest Reserve.
The Minister urges the public to disregard misleading reports and rely on credible government sources for accurate information. Additionally, we call on media houses to verify facts before publishing unconfirmed claims that could mislead the public.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Tonny Twum Acheampong
Organizer, Concerned Citizens of Western North
024 567 4092
