Ghana’s government says significant gold deposits have been identified in at least 10 of the 15 districts in the Upper East Region, prompting renewed efforts to regulate mining activities while expanding lawful opportunities for local communities.
Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga disclosed the development while addressing journalists at his first press soiree in Bolgatanga, saying the presence of gold across much of the region must translate into economic benefits for residents without destroying the environment.
“About ten out of the fifteen districts have gold deposits that must benefit our people,” Atanga said, adding that government policy is focused on responsible and sustainable exploitation of the mineral resources.
The minister said the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), working with the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, traditional authorities and security agencies, has intensified monitoring and enforcement to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. He said illegal activities have posed serious threats to water bodies, farmlands and forest reserves.
As part of recent enforcement actions, Atanga said he personally led a Regional Security Council (REGSEC) operation into the Tilli Forest along the Red Volta River and later into the Naaga Forest, resulting in the arrest of 70 illegal miners, including foreign nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso. Mining equipment was seized, and all suspects have been arraigned before a Circuit Court and are currently facing prosecution, he said.
Beyond enforcement, Atanga said the government is also engaging small-scale miners and host communities to encourage compliance with mining regulations and promote safer methods that protect both livelihoods and natural resources.
He said REGSEC has also intervened to mediate disputes between small-scale miners and large-scale mining companies in the Talensi District, where tensions over mining rights have previously flared. According to him, the interventions have helped restore dialogue and ease tensions, although some issues remain unresolved and will require continued engagement.
To ensure local participation in legal mining, Atanga said the RCC, in collaboration with the Minerals Commission, has submitted a list of mining communities to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for discussions with concession holders. The aim, he said, is to secure portions of existing concessions for youth participation under the government’s Corporate Mining Scheme.
The beneficiary communities include Teshie, Sapeliga, Santeng, Tarkwa, Bongo, Kadema, Naaga, Bechisi and Nabdam.
“These interventions demonstrate government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining while creating lawful and sustainable livelihood opportunities for our young people,” the regional minister said.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
