NAIMOS intensifies crackdown on illegal mining in Ghana

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has expanded its enforcement strategy against illegal mining, known as galamsey, across Ghana’s Western and Eastern Regions. In recent operations on October 29, the task force arrested 11 suspected illegal miners and destroyed various pieces of equipment, including chanfang machines, water pumps, and generator plants, at sites within the Cape Three Points Forest and the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality.

Beyond direct enforcement, NAIMOS is widening its scope to target the supply chain by pursuing manufacturers and sellers of equipment, such as excavators and water pumps, used by illegal operators in districts like Aowin and Enchi. Colonel S. K. Appiah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, has issued warnings to miners operating in water bodies, specifically noting the threat to the Tano and Bia rivers.

To complement these enforcement actions, the Secretariat has launched community engagement initiatives. These programs aim to build public confidence and improve intelligence sharing by collaborating with traditional authorities, local government officials, and opinion leaders. This multi-pronged approach is part of a broader strategy to address the environmental destruction of forest reserves and water bodies caused by illegal mining.