The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has called for stronger collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), insisting that the RCC must be involved in mining agreements and key environmental decisions that affect local communities.
He made the call when the Acting Upper East Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Emmanuel Y. Wandaat, paid a courtesy visit following the retirement of the former regional director, Mr. Asher Nkegbe.
Hon. Atanga expressed concern that mining leases and related agreements are sometimes concluded without the knowledge of the RCC, even though the Regional Minister is often the first point of contact when disputes and tensions erupt in mining communities. He said improved consultation would help prevent conflicts and ensure balanced outcomes for all stakeholders.
The Minister also warned of the growing dangers posed by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. He cited open pits, air pollution from ore crushing and unsafe mining practices as major threats to public health and community safety, urging the EPA to intensify public education and enforcement to promote responsible mining.
Touching on forest degradation, Hon. Atanga lamented the destruction of forest reserves, noting that the loss of medicinal trees and roots is undermining traditional medicine and could negatively affect scientific research.
In response, Dr. Wandaat assured the Minister of the EPA’s commitment to closer collaboration with the RCC. He disclosed that the Agency currently operates in nine districts in the region and plans to expand its presence to districts without offices. He added that the EPA has recruited 60 new officers, bringing its total regional staff strength to 119, and reaffirmed the Agency’s alignment with President John Dramani Mahama’s development agenda.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
