Urgent Call for Public United Front Against Destructive Illegal Mining
Accra – The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has issued a stark warning, emphasizing that the rampant destruction of Ghana’s water bodies by illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” poses an existential threat to the nation. The secretariat is appealing for an intensified and unified public support to combat this pervasive menace.
Colonel Eric Amponsah Buah, the Coordinator of NAIMOS, articulated the gravity of the situation during a press briefing in Accra. He underscored that the ongoing damage to water resources not only jeopardizes the environment but also poses a significant risk to national security. “We must ask ourselves, are we unaware that we are precipitating our own demise? This is the fundamental, existential nature of the problem we face,” Col. Buah stated, highlighting the self-destructive trajectory of inaction.
The call to action is directed at all citizens, the media, and various stakeholders, urging them to collaborate and actively campaign against the destructive practices of galamsey. Col. Buah clarified that the ultimate measure of success in this fight will be the restoration of clean and potable water bodies across the nation. He cautioned that the current levels of pollution are dire, potentially leading to severe water shortages and a substantial increase in the costs associated with water treatment.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Combating Galamsey
NAIMOS has outlined a comprehensive operational strategy, which is fundamentally intelligence-led. This approach relies heavily on a robust network of informants, comprising traditional leaders, community members, and other well-placed individuals, who provide crucial real-time information. This intelligence is instrumental in enabling targeted and effective interventions by the secretariat.
Furthermore, NAIMOS operates in close collaboration with key state institutions to bolster its operational effectiveness. These vital partners include:
- The Ghana Armed Forces
- The Ghana Police Service
- The National Intelligence Bureau
This synergistic approach ensures that enforcement actions are well-coordinated and impactful. The secretariat also processes petitions and reports submitted by communities, traditional councils, and civil society organizations. These submissions are carefully assessed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources before being channeled to NAIMOS for appropriate action.
Seizures, Security Risks, and International Involvement
During its operations, NAIMOS has successfully seized numerous excavators, weapons, and other mining equipment. Col. Buah assured the public that all confiscated items are securely accounted for by the relevant state authorities.
A significant concern raised by the secretariat is the alarming proliferation of illegal weapons at galamsey sites. This poses a substantial national security risk, as Col. Buah explained, “There are numerous weapons present in these operational areas, and this presents a grave danger, as any provocation could easily escalate into violence.” He affirmed that NAIMOS personnel are authorized to act in self-defence when faced with such threats.
The fight against illegal mining has also seen the apprehension of foreign nationals involved in these illicit activities. These individuals have been processed in strict accordance with Ghanaian legal frameworks, with many subsequently deported and placed on blacklists to prevent future re-entry.
Addressing Social and Environmental Repercussions
The presence of minors at some galamsey sites has been identified as a deeply worrying trend. NAIMOS is actively referring such cases to the appropriate social protection agencies for intervention and support.
In terms of environmental recovery, NAIMOS is actively overseeing reclamation efforts in degraded mining areas. Notably, over 800 acres of land in Manso-Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region are currently undergoing restoration. The secretariat is also exploring avenues for the repurposed use of seized equipment, particularly in the agricultural sector, to transform liabilities into assets for productive development.
To further strengthen its impact, NAIMOS has initiated permanent deployments in identified illegal mining hotspots. Operations have also been significantly intensified along major river bodies, including the Ankobra and Pra rivers, with the explicit aim of curbing illegal activities and protecting these vital water sources.
A Stern Warning and a Path Forward
Col. Buah issued a firm warning to all individuals engaged in illegal mining, urging them to cease their activities immediately. He strongly encouraged them to explore the government’s planned cooperative mining schemes as a legitimate and sustainable alternative. NAIMOS reiterated that offenders will face stringent enforcement measures. “They remain the primary adversaries of the state, and we will relentlessly pursue them wherever they may be,” he declared.
The secretariat also reiterated its appreciation for the media’s ongoing support in the campaign against illegal mining. It urged journalists to continue providing credible information that can aid NAIMOS in its operations.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, operating under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is a government-coordinated body dedicated to eradicating illegal mining in Ghana. Its mandate encompasses intelligence gathering, community engagement, robust enforcement, and crucial environmental restoration efforts, all undertaken in collaboration with security agencies and local stakeholders. The establishment of NAIMOS represents a significant component of the nation’s renewed commitment to addressing the severe environmental degradation and water pollution caused by galamsey, which have had a devastating impact on Ghana’s major rivers and forest reserves.
