Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Elikem Kotoko, has delivered a stern message to illegal miners, cautioning that the government will intensify its clampdown on galamsey activities and expose those hiding behind political or social influence.
Kotoko’s warning follows a recent alert from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which revealed that traces of mercury had been detected in commonly consumed products such as turmeric and cereal mixes like Tom Brown.
The findings heightened concerns about the wider public health dangers associated with illegal mining operations, popularly known as galamsey. Addressing the issue, Kotoko urged offenders to abandon the practice immediately, stressing that the days of political protection were over.
“From this week onwards, if you are engaged in this enterprise, it is best you put a stop to it. This is because there will be naming and shaming, and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you belong, or who you know”
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission
He also underscored the important role of traditional leaders in dealing with the menace, and pointed to the land tenure system as a decisive factor. “So, the NAIMOS have been told to further engage with these traditional leaders,” he said.
He explained that the government expected the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force to act as the first line of engagement with traditional authorities, giving communities the opportunity to correct illegalities “when they see something amiss,” before the military was called in to enforce compliance in the interest of the country.
The warning was backed by a clear signal from the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who has directed NAIMOS to intensify its operations and deal ruthlessly with offenders across the country.
Call for Neutrality in Crackdown
Meanwhile, earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, reinforced the government’s position, urging the Task Force to clamp down on illegal mining without political bias or interference.
Speaking during the deployment of the NAIMOS Task Force in Sunyani, Gbande emphasised that the fight against galamsey must remain impartial and strictly in the national interest.
“The most powerful person in this country, the President, is fully backing you on this mission. The NDC does not and will not endorse what our President is against. In the bush or in a water body, there is no political colour. So, if anybody goes in the name of a political colour, arrest the person. If anybody comes in the name of the President, also arrest the person”
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency
He insisted that politics had no place in the fight against illegal mining, adding that the administration’s commitment provided the Task Force with the full legitimacy to enforce the law without exception.
The latest directives from government officials highlight an escalated approach to the galamsey challenge, linking the menace not only to environmental destruction but also to severe public health risks. With the backing of the Presidency and the directive of the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, NAIMOS is expected to step up its operations against illegal miners across the country.
Both Kotoko and Gbande’s remarks reflect a unified front within the government, as the administration signals to the public that the days of shielding offenders through political or social influence are over.
The warnings also make clear that the government intends to hold both individuals and traditional authorities accountable, while ensuring that the Task Force works without political interference.
As mercury contamination raises new concerns about food safety, the government appears determined to convince Ghanaians that the galamsey fight is not only about protecting water bodies and farmlands but also safeguarding the health of the population.
With President Mahama’s support, officials believe the crackdown can finally strip illegal mining of its political shield and push offenders into the open.
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