The Upper West Regional Minister Alhassan Sulemana has called on stakeholders to join the fight against charcoal burning in both the Sissala East and West districts.

He observed that focus should not only be on illegal mining which has a toll on the environment but called for attention and measures in curbing the increasing spate of charcoal burning.

The minister indicated that the concern of government and other well-meaning Ghanaians is to put an end to charcoal burning and illegal mining popularly known as “galamsey”.

In a speech read on his behalf during the Buwaala Kelwie Festival in Zini by the Deputy Regional Minister Amidu Chinnia Issahaku, he stressed that the environment is already depleted and it is getting worse underscoring the need for immediate steps to be taken in order to curb the menace.

“It has far reaching consequences if we fail to tackle them” he noted.

The Minster therefore called on all chiefs, the Environmental Protection Agency, Assembly members, Religious and Opinion leaders, the District Assemblies and District Police Command to join forces to nib the canker in the bud.

He also urged that people who are fond of cutting down trees their activities to be reported to the nearest police station for arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Amidu Chinnia Issahaku used the occasion to congratulate the chiefs and people of Buwaa traditional area for their efforts in fostering unity and peace and called on them to maintain and strengthen the bond of good relationship existing in their communities.