Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has spearheaded a joint operation aimed at halting galamsey activities in the Naaga-Naaga-Sakombiisi Forest, located in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.
This intervention followed a formal petition from residents of the Naaga community, who raised concerns about the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” in the area.
The operation involved collaboration between security agencies and environmental officials to curb the degradation caused by these illicit activities.
According to a report by citinewsroom.com, Atanga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible and regulated mining, while emphasising a strict stance against any mining activities within water bodies and forest reserves.
“I received a petition from the people of Naaga-Sakombiisi indicating that illegal mining activities were ongoing in their forest reserve. Although they reported it to the appropriate authorities, no action was taken. That’s why they brought it to the Regional Coordinating Council,” he explained.
Before the operation, the Minister visited the forest reserve and discovered three separate mining sites that had been transformed into makeshift gold-processing centers.
He expressed serious concern about the environmental degradation and its ripple effects on local infrastructure, livelihoods, and public health.
“The government is not against mining, but we are totally against illegal operations that destroy our forests, pollute water bodies, and threaten lives. Residents are particularly worried about the dust and toxic powder from the grinding process, which poses a serious health risk. We have seen in nearby communities how similar mining activities have caused power outages,” he added.
Atanga also revealed that the miners were using plastic and rubber materials, which were often ingested by livestock, leading to animal deaths.
Additionally, he noted that the illegal operators were tapping electricity from the community transformer while many residents still lack access to power.
This marks the third anti-galamsey operation led by the Regional Minister since he assumed office, underscoring his administration’s zero tolerance for environmental abuse.
The minister’s decisive actions highlight the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens.
NAD/MA
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris has been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below: