Over 8 dead bodies have been retrieved in over 11 illegal mining pits in Banda Nkwanta in the Bole district of the northern region. Several youths engaged in illegal mining in the area were trapped in about year ago. Only last month, the pits collapsed on the illegal miners who are yet to be retrieved.
Skeletons of those trapped could be seen in the pits while recently trapped bodies started decomposing. The pits owned by known political activists of the various political parties are making it difficult to fight against the wanton destruction of the environment.
The activities are polluting water bodies and destroying farmlands in the area. High place source told Zaa news, the illegal pits are owned by politicians of all political divides and that only miracle will stop the wanton destruction of the environment.
Our sources also reveal that some chiefs in the area are behind the illegal mining. The youth engaging in the activities have vowed to continue illegal exploration of gold.
The miners have also invaded the Bui National Park forest reserve and are cutting down trees indiscriminately.
At a closed door meeting with the Minister for Environment, Science ,Technology and Innovative, E.P.A, the wildlife and forestry commission, the Bole district assembly , the chief of Banda Nkwanta, Duwa Wura, Joseph Kelli Sakara and the miners, the youth asked government to e ither license them or forget stopping the practice.
The youth made it clear to government that they cannot stop mining. The ministry of environment, science and innovative has described the situation as illegal.
According to the ministry, extraction of either gold or any other natural mineral should not be done in forestry.
Heavy pieces of equipment were seen excavating at the time the team visited and not even the minister’s visit scared them to stop the activities.
Speaking to journalists at the pit sites in Banda Nkwanta, Mr. Ayariga described the acts of the youth as illegal which should not be claiming innocent young people’s lives.
He, however, said government will not use any forceful means to stop the youth but will engage them in a dialogue to protect lives and the environment.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini expressed the hope the sector’s visit will go a long way to addressing illegal mining in the region.
Both the Deputy Northern Regional Minister and Environent, Science, Technology and Innovation minister could not hide their curiosity but to peep in some of dangerous pits.
The paramount chief Gonja traditional area, Yagbongwura Tuntumba Sulemana Jakpa Bore Essa, said he will support government effort to fighting illegal mining activities in Gonjaland. The Gonja king observed that the activities are causing the environmental degradation and needed to be protected. The depletion Yagbonwura appealed to the forestry commission to provide the farmers with seedlings to replenish the environment.
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