Bolgatanga: Mineral resources, specifically gold deposits, have been identified in at least seven municipal and district areas within the Upper East Region, according to Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Regional Minister.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Regional Minister shared this information with the media during a visit to the proposed site for the Upper East Regional Airport located in Anateem, a suburb of the Sumbrungu community within the Bolgatanga Municipality. The visit was conducted alongside technical officers from the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) to gather firsthand data in preparation for the airport’s construction.
Mr. Akamugri noted the sudden discovery of minerals in the region, stating, “Out of the 15 Municipal and Districts Assemblies, we have about seven of them that have these deposits.” He emphasized that the planned airport would facilitate the exploitation of these mineral resources and create business opportunities in the region.
The Minister highlighted the importance of the airport for efficient transportation of gold, ensuring that mining operations could proceed without interference from armed robbers. He urged the GACL to expedite the construction process, underscoring the airport’s strategic position to serve both the country and the Sahelian region, promoting foreign exchange, employment, and tourism.
Currently, large-scale mining operations are ongoing in the Talensi District, managed by Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, a subsidiary of Shandong Gold, and Earl International Gold, both Chinese mining firms. Additionally, in 2023, the Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, launched a community mining scheme in the Bongo-Soe community within the Bongo District.
Further information from the Ghana News Agency reveals that gold deposits are also located in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Bolgatanga East, Nabdam, Bawku West, Kassena-Nankana West, and Builsa North. Despite this potential, illegal mining activities are reportedly damaging farmlands and forest reserves in these areas, although some mining companies are attempting to follow due processes for exploration activities.