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The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources has launched the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a centralised body tasked with coordinating Ghana’s effort to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The new Secretariat was inaugurated on Thursday, in Accra, with support from the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and the Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah.
Delivering his speech, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stressed the importance of a unified approach.
“With 16% of our land reserves already degraded by illegal mining, NAIMOS will provide the leadership needed to win this fight,” he said.
He stated that the secretariat’s responsibilities include coordinating security agencies, developing field strategies, enforcing mining and environmental laws, collaborating with traditional leaders, and reporting progress to the minister.
He pledged full support for the secretariat’s work, vowing to act without fear or favour.
On his part, the Deputy Defence Minister, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, confirmed the military’s involvement in reclaiming degraded lands and polluted water bodies, noting that President John Dramani Mahama endorses the initiative.
The Interior Minister, Mr. Muntaka, promised full operational backing.
Before its official launch, NAIMOS-led operations had already seized over 50 excavators, three bulldozers, a van, generators, and mining equipment, while making multiple arrests in regions including Eastern, Ashanti, Western, Central, and Western North.
With strong support from security agencies, NAIMOS is set to expand efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks and promote sustainable mining practices.
AUTHOR: Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu
