Mrs Helen Ntoso, Eastern Regional Minister, has expressed worry about the degradation of the forest, and pollution of water bodies through illegal mining, otherwise known as ‘galamsey’ operations.

She, therefore, charged the Environmental Protection Agency, to take the necessary measures to address the situation.

“The irony of the situation is that while those who have polluted the water bodies have constructed boreholes and enjoying good drinking water, residents in those areas are left to their fate to drink polluted water,” she said.

Mrs Ntoso, who was interacting with heads of departments in Koforidua on Friday, said she intended forming a new taskforce to check the activities of ‘galamsey’ operators.

She said the taskforce, which would replace the existing one, would be controlled to ensure the success of swoops on the illegal miners.

The minister said: “We should not connive with those polluting the water bodies, the people are suffering and there is the need to assist them”.

Mrs Ntoso asked heads of department to check lateness to work on the part of some workers, and others who travel during working period without permission.

She appealed the heads to support her carry out her duties, an promised an open administration.

Mrs Ntoso said: “I will welcome good suggestions and advice, but I will not tolerate gossip aimed at running people down. I am firm and fair and I expect all of you to live up to expectations”.