President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, says he feels sorry for the people of the Upper East region following the discovery of gold in the region.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has revealed that deposits of gold have been discovered in seven out of its 15 District Assemblies and Municipalities.
He made this revelation during a discussion with journalists at the proposed site for the Bolgatanga airport.
The minister emphasized that the construction of the Bolgatanga Airport would greatly benefit miners and gold buyers by providing a more efficient way to transport their products across the country.
He also appealed to stakeholders for support in making the airport a reality.
“This region has suddenly discovered mineral deposits. Out of the 15 district assemblies, about seven have these deposits, which presents a significant business opportunity,” said Atanga.
He added, “Once mining begins, there will be a need for quicker transport to move the gold to national markets without the risk of armed robberies. We need to accelerate efforts to improve infrastructure. Upper East is a gateway to Burkina Faso and Togo, and our airport will be a valuable asset.”
Franklin Cudjoe reacting to the story on Facebook simply wrote, “Trouble.”
His post an indication of the curse that comes with gold mining in communities.
It is very popular to see communities in which gold have been discovered facing stalled development as corporations do little to improve their way of lives, and end up polluting them.
Aside from the corporations, discovery of gold in communities result in the invasion of their lands by illegal miners popularly referred to as ‘galamseyers’ in local parlence.
Along with these galamseyers come increased incidents of crime, teenage pregnancy and a host of other vices.
However the greatest danger posed by galamsey is the untold destruction and havoc caused on farmlands and water bodies, resulting in the lands being uncultivable and water bodies being polluted.
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