The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has charged the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to as a matter of urgency deal with illegal mining activities in the region.

This he said, will not only sanitize the mining industry in the region but will help to make the Upper East Region a mining model in Ghana, Africa and beyond.

Mr Abu  Jinapor further tasked the REGSEC, chaired by the Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu to make matters relating to Lands and Natural Resources a constant item on the Agenda during all REGSEC meetings.

The Damongo MP, made this call as part of his one-day tour of the Upper East Region on Wednesday at Bolgatanga.

Mr Jinapor also mentioned that efforts are underway to make the Agencies of his ministry more visible, viable and active, particularly the Minerals Commission saying ” the foot print of the Minerals Commission has to be pervasive in the Upper East Region”.

He also touched on issues relating to the protection of public lands, deforestation and Rosewood and called on the REGSEC to pay particular attention to the issue, stressing that the Regional Security Council has been assigned an extra mandate by the President of the Republic, to enforce the laws and regulations in respect to the Management of the Natural Resources of the country.

He reiterated government’s commitment to make REGSEC a fulcrum around which illegal mining and other matters relating to illegalities in the Natural and lands resources sector revolves.

He disclosed that government is working to ensure that REGSEC is able to deliver on this charge.

The Upper East Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu on his part, called for closer collaboration between the Coordinating Council, the Ministry and its Agencies in safeguarding the dignity of the environment.

He assured the minister of REGSEC’s determination to ensure enforcement of the regulations and to uphold the highest standards in mining areas in order to protect lives and property.

The Regional Minister also commended the Lands Minister Samuel A. Jinapor for his boldness, competence, and commitment in handling matters in the Natural Resources sector of the country.