By Peter Agengre
Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri has cautioned illegal miners to obtain permits or face arrest. The minister was leading an anti-galamsey task force in a crackdown in Naaga. The Minister led the anti-galamsey operation in the Naaga-Sakombiisi Forest, following a community petition over illegal mining activities in the Kasena-Nankana Municipality. Prior to the operation, the minister visited the community, where illegal miners had established three operational sites serving as processing hubs for gold ore extraction in the forest.
“We received a written petition from the people of Naaga-Sakombiisi that some illegal mining is taking place in their community. According to them, they have reported same to the authorities but nothing was being done; the reason why they want RCC to intervene. The community is worried because, excess waste from the washing goes into the water they drink which is harmful to their health. Hence the need for us to crackdown on the menace.” Mr. Akamugri explained in a video cited on the RCC official Facebook Page.
Equipment worth thousands of Ghana Cedis was destroyed in the operation, including compressors and grinding motors. The Minister says while his government isn’t against mining, it won’t tolerate activities that harm the environment and public health.
“When we came, the miners had vacated the place and left behind their working equipment. Some of them have been confiscated and taken to the Police station. The NDC is against irresponsible mining. So when you’re interested in mining, come to us, get your license and do your work in peace.” He advised.
This operation marks the regional Minister’s third anti-galamsey crackdown in recent months.
