A reported discovery of gold deposits in Yalugu, a farming community in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region, has triggered a rush of small-scale mining activities in the area.
According to residents, the discovery was made by a shepherd who allegedly noticed traces of the precious mineral at a location known as Yalugu Moarnoor while grazing his cattle.
News of the reported find spread rapidly, attracting scores of people from Yalugu and neighbouring communities to the site in search of gold through small-scale mining.
Speaking to journalist Ibrahim Abode, one of the miners, who identified himself as Abubakar, said he travelled from the Bawku West District to Yalugu to participate in the mining activities using a locally made mining tool popularly known as the “one leg.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Binduri District Assembly, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council nor the had issued an official statement confirming the reported discovery or commenting on the ongoing mining activities.
The reported discovery is expected to attract the attention of the relevant authorities amid growing concerns about the regulation of small-scale mining and its potential environmental and social impacts.
Authorities are expected to assess the situation and determine the appropriate measures to ensure that any mining activities are carried out in accordance with Ghana’s mining laws and environmental regulations.
