A special anti-galamsey operation led by the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has flushed out illegal miners operating in the Naaga-Sakombiisi Forest in the Kassena Nankana Municipality.
The exercise by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), which was carried out last Friday, was carried out following a petition received from members of the community about the activities of the miners, which were endangering their lives.
The residents complained of wastewater from the mining activities finding its way into their source of drinking water, a development that had a direct bearing on their health and lives.
Additionally, the heavy equipment used by the miners had affected the power supply in the community, resulting in low voltage, making it very difficult for them to use some electrical gadgets and appliances.
Sites
The illegal miners had set up three operational sites, where they processed the ore after carrying out their illegal activity in the forest.
At the time the team got to the sites, the illegal miners were not on site and operating due to a power outage.
Equipment destroyed during the exercise included seven compressors and eight grinding motors, as well as tents used as shelter.
The latest clampdown is the third exercise to be carried out since the regional minister assumed office.
The two earlier ones were undertaken in the Tilli Forest in the Bawku West District and the other in the Nabdam District, during which some miners were arrested and mining equipment destroyed as well.
Addressing the media, Mr Atanga said the illegal mining activity had resulted in pollution in the community, with its attendant public health concern, adding that the residents were afraid of the health risk due to the mining activity.
He added that since the residents reared animals, there was the likelihood of the animals drinking from polluted water sources and eventually lead to their death.
He wondered why some residents who had requested for extension of the power supply to their houses had not been served, but the illegal miners had been provided with the same service within a short time.
He clarified that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government was not against mining, but rather it was opposed to irresponsible mining that could eventually affect the health of the people, as well as the environment.
“That is why we are encouraging the youth to organise themselves to form cooperatives so that they will be assisted by the government to engage in responsible mining to contribute to the growth of the sector,” he said.
He warned that the government was against mining in the forest and waterbodies and would take the necessary steps to safeguard them for the benefit of all, and further urged those interested in mining to acquire the licence to engage in legal mining.
Additionally, he entreated residents to be on the lookout and report all illegal mining activities within their localities for the necessary action to be taken, saying “all of us have a role to play in the fight against illegal mining.”
Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh
