Head of the Upper East Regional Security Council, Hafiz Bin Saleh has ordered illegal miners operating at Sapeliga in the Binduri district to pack out of the area. He said if they want to mine, they should follow the right process to acquire a small-scale mining license to enable them to operate.
“If you want to continue operating here, do the right thing. We are going to contact the Minerals Commission so that they make this place available to prospective miners so that you would be licensed and then we give you the opportunity to operate.”
The Regional Minister told the miners that their illegal activities are a security concern due to the destruction of Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary pillars. He warned that REGSEC will come with an action, not a warning if they don’t pack out now.
“But what you are doing currently is unacceptable, it’s highly unacceptable. This is the last time that we are coming here, and this is a stern warning from the Regional Security Council, so take note and begin to pack your tools.”
Hafiz Bin Saleh expressed worry that the activities of the illegal miners could be breeding grounds for criminal operations by insurgents. He said the insurgents currently operating in Ghana’s northern neighbour’s territory need funding and may attempt to use illegal mining as a means.
“In Burkina Faso, there are insurgents there and there are terrorists who want to infiltrate into our country and to be able to perpetuate what they are doing, they need finance so they engage in what you people are doing.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, lamented the damage done to the boundaries which could spark border disputes.
“There were a lot of interferences so far as our boundary line is concerned. Some of these activities led to the removal of international boundary pillars and for that matter, there was no clarity so far as the markings of the boundary is concerned.”
Maj. Gen Kotia warned that the influx of people from Burkina Faso to participate in the illegal mining activities could lead to Ghana losing control over parts of the land if the markings are destructed completely.
“And then, because we have quite a sizeable number of people coming from Burkina Faso to do a lot of illegal activities here, if we don’t take care, while these boundary pillars are removed, some of our territories can be taken or probably can be declared as part of Burkina Faso because these markings are not visible on the ground.”