Kasana, (UWR), Dec.31, GNA - Mr. Maurice Kanton, a Senior Wildlife Officer, has advised traditional rulers in Sissala East District in the Upper West Region against supporting intended mining activities in their communities, to protect natural resources in the area. He said even though the area was endowed with mineral deposits, the chiefs should encourage eco-tourism development that would benefit the people economically.

Mr. Kanton, who made the call at this year's Nimoro Faakurun festival celebration at Kasana in the district, said that some chiefs had regretted supporting mining in their communities because it has resulted in the destruction of the environment and pollution of water bodies. Mr. Mahmud Khalid, Regional Minister, commended chiefs and people of the district for organising the celebration to foster peace and unity for development.

He said government had created conducive conditions for religious bodies, non-governmental organisations and traditional authorities to meaningfully contribute to national development. Mr. Khalid appealed to chiefs to make land available for the implementation of the "Block Farming" programme in the area, stressing that government would not pay compensation for land that would be released for the project in the region.

He called for the proper utilisation of natural resources towards development to improve the living conditions of the people. Mr. Khalid asked the people to ensure peace, unity and stability for the development of the area.

Madam Alijata Sulemana, District Chief Executive for Sissala East, commended the people for ensuring peace and said government was committed to improving education by expanding the School Feeding Programme and increasing the Capitation Grant.

She said the Assembly would protect natural resources in the area and monitor the activities of farmers to prevent environmental degradation.