The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, on Friday led a targeted operation to halt illegal mining activities in the Naaga-Sakombiisi forest in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.
The action was triggered by a formal petition submitted by residents of the Naaga community, who raised alarm over the destructive effects of illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” in their area.
“I received a petition from the people of Naaga-Sakombiisi indicating that illegal mining activities were ongoing in their forest reserve. Though they reported it to the appropriate authorities, no action was taken. That’s why they brought it to the Regional Coordinating Council,” Mr. Akamugri explained.
Before the operation commenced, the minister visited the affected area, where he found three separate mining sites that had been turned into makeshift gold processing centers.
“The residents are particularly worried about the dust and toxic powder generated from the grinding process, which poses a serious health risk,” he said. He also raised concerns about environmental degradation and its impact on local livelihoods.
“The miners are using rubber and plastics that are often consumed by livestock, leading to animal deaths. They’re also illegally tapping electricity from the community’s transformer, while many residents still don’t have access to power. We’ve seen in nearby communities how similar mining activities have caused power outages,” he added.
Mr. Akamugri emphasized that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government supports regulated, responsible mining but strongly opposes any form of mining in forest reserves and water bodies.
“This government is not against mining, but we are totally against illegal operations that destroy our forests, pollute water bodies, and threaten lives,” he declared.
This operation marks the third anti-galamsey intervention spearheaded by the Regional Minister since he took office — a clear signal of his administration’s zero tolerance for environmental abuse.
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