Upper East regional minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohamed-Muniru, has directed all illegal galamsey operators in the region to stop operating with effect from Thursday May 16. Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru gave the directive when he visited some mining areas in the Talensi and Bawku West Districts to ascertain the situations there. Small-scale gold mining has become rampant in the area of Tongo, Sheaga, Duusi, Pelengu and other small villages. The effect of this being that, trees on lands with gold deposits are being fell creating huge trenches and dug–outs that renders the land uncultivable. According to the Minister, although galamsey activities have reduced in the area due to the rainy season, it was still important to issue the directive. The Minister believes the directive will keep the illegal miners on their toes when they resume their activities in the dry season. Some of the galamsey operators said even though the directive given them by the minister was within a short notice, they are ready to comply. Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru said though government is committed to providing jobs for Ghanaians it will not do so through illegal