“NAIMOS will deal ruthlessly with galamseyers” — Col. Dominic Buah

Col. Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), has issued a strong and uncompromising warning to illegal miners, declaring that the state will intensify its crackdown on galamsey activities across the country.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday in Accra, Col. Buah praised the Blue Water Guards for their “exceptionally well” performance in safeguarding Ghana’s water bodies, revealing that the task force has been actively seizing and destroying equipment used in illegal mining operations, particularly along riverine areas.

He explained that the Guards have demonstrated increasing capacity in enforcement, often acting decisively to halt illegal activities, confiscate machinery, and prevent further environmental degradation.

According to him, their efforts are already yielding results, especially in curbing operations that threaten major water sources.

Col. Buah disclosed that NAIMOS is currently working to further empower the Blue Water Guards through continuous training, improved coordination, and enhanced intelligence systems.

He stressed the importance of information-sharing from local communities, noting that such collaboration is critical in tracking and dismantling illegal mining networks.

Touching on the controversial destruction of “chamfas”—machines commonly used in illegal mining—he clarified that while such equipment may have alternative industrial uses, any found in proximity to water bodies or directly linked to galamsey activities will be destroyed.

He added that the Environmental Protection Agency Ghana (EPA) has secured the necessary legal backing to also target and demolish fabrication centres producing such machinery.

He further indicated that NAIMOS operations are heavily concentrated on water bodies and river systems, where illegal mining poses the greatest environmental risk.

In such zones, he noted, the presence of equipment or fabrication activities is treated as clear intent to engage in galamsey, warranting swift enforcement action.

Col. Buah emphasized that the ongoing operations remain a “work in progress,” but assured the public that authorities will continue to act decisively, including removing harmful chemicals, dismantling illegal setups, and addressing the involvement of foreign nationals in illicit mining activities.

Delivering a stern caution, he warned that illegal miners—regardless of their role as financiers, operators, or facilitators—will be treated as enemies of the state if they persist.

He urged families and communities to advise their relatives involved in galamsey to desist and instead embrace responsible and regulated mining practices.

“Rest assured,” he stressed, “the waterways will be protected, and NAIMOS will deal ruthlessly with galamseyers.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith