NAIMOS intensifies crackdown on illegal mining, urges public to report encroachment

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining, particularly activities threatening the country’s rivers, forests, farms and plantations.

The Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Col. K. S. Appiah, made this known when he addressed the media on Thursday, stressing that enforcement efforts would continue against illegal miners and the networks supporting their activities.

Col. Appiah disclosed that the Secretariat had received numerous reports of renewed encroachment on mining sites in recent months, with members of the public providing information through phone calls, GPS locations and contacts to help authorities identify areas affected by illegal mining.

He said the information received had enabled NAIMOS to deploy operational teams to selected locations to prevent illegal mining activities.

According to him, public cooperation remains essential to the success of the Secretariat’s enforcement operations, and he encouraged citizens to continue providing credible information on suspected illegal mining activities.

“We call on the public to let us know. We will conduct our reconnaissance and deal with the situations as they come,” he said.

Col. Appiah noted that the Secretariat would continue to assess reports and undertake reconnaissance missions to verify allegations and respond to emerging situations.

He further indicated that NAIMOS would sustain its enforcement efforts in collaboration with relevant institutions responsible for education and prosecution to ensure that offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law.

Addressing individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining, the Director of Operations reiterated the Secretariat’s firm position against activities that pollute water bodies and destroy the environment.

“Our direction is clear. Mining in our rivers, forests, farms and plantations must stop,” he stated.

He warned that operations would continue against illegal miners and the networks sustaining their activities, adding that the Secretariat remained committed to carrying out its mandate.

Col. Appiah also invited members of the media to observe and document some of NAIMOS’ operational activities and achievements as part of efforts to highlight the Secretariat’s work in combating illegal mining.

He called on the need for sustained public cooperation and coordinated enforcement to address illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources.

On blue water guards workers, he describedthem as informants for NAIMOS.

"We do not disclose their identities. Some of them operate with my personnel in the field, and that is part of the job they've signed up for"

"They are part of the community kind of task force or system that supports our operations."

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo