National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has recently carried out successful and intelligence-driven operation that dismantled entrenched illegal mining networks within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The strategic intervention, which has been conducted in close coordination with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has resulted in the arrest of several illegal miners, including nine armed imposters posing as National Security operatives.
“NAIMOS deployed three tactical teams across the forest to secure access routes and apprehend suspects. Acting on credible intelligence from local informants, operatives intercepted several illegal miners attempting to flee the reserve on motorbikes.”
Lands Ministry
The operation which was meticulously planned jointly by the NAIMOS’ headquarters and the Ashanti REGSEC, was aimed at restoring law and order in one of the country’s most environmentally degraded reserves.
Acting on credible intelligence from local informants, the operatives intercepted several illegal miners attempting to flee the reserve on motorbikes.
According Lands Ministry, the Fifteen arrested individuals admitted that they had been warned about the taskforce’s approach.
The professionalism and tactical restraint were demonstrated by NAIMOS in apprehending the nine-armed men dressed in khaki uniforms who had falsely identified themselves as National Security personnel.
Operation and Professionalism
According to the Ministry, NAIMOS intelligence operatives foiled an attempted bribery by individuals who arrived in a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup, claiming they were associates of the arrested illegal miners. The men offered a staggering GH₵100,000 as a bribe and an additional GH₵20,000 as “chop money” in a desperate attempt to secure the release of their associates.
The NAIMOS operatives, acting with unwavering integrity, feigned interest before arresting the suspects for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.
The operation’s success extended beyond the arrests, as the taskforce proceeded deeper into the Oda River Forest Reserve to assess the extent of environmental damage.
The once reclaimed forest, previously replanted with trees and palm trees, had been severely destroyed by renewed illegal mining activities.
Vast tracts of land were discovered degraded, vegetation destroyed , and water bodies heavily polluted.
“The taskforce, acting under environmental protection directives, dismantled and set the illegal structures and equipment ablaze to prevent future reoccupation.”
Lands Ministry
Galamsey Impacts and NAIMOS’ Efforts
The activities of illegal mining over the years, have posed a devastating impact on the environment, with the Oda River Forest Reserve being one of the many victims of this environmental terrorism.
The indiscriminate use of harmful chemicals, the reckless extraction of minerals, and the wanton destruction of vegetation have all contributed to the rapid degradation of the country’s precious ecosystems.
In the face of this challenge, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), has stepped up its efforts to combat the menace.
The recent operation in the Oda River Forest Reserve, marked by the arrest of illegal miners and the dismantling of their makeshift operations, represents a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing fight to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Commitment to Environment Stewardship
The success of the NAIMOS operation in the Oda River Forest Reserve can be attributed to the strategic collaboration between the secretariat and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
As Colonel Dominic Buah, the Director of Operations of NAIMOS, stated, “This mission is a model of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.”
This partnership between NAIMOS and the regional security authorities has been critical in enhancing the taskforce’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, strengthening enforcement measures, and ensuring the seamless implementation of anti-galamsey initiatives across the country.
“No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity”
Colonel Dominic Buah
This assurance underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s forests, water bodies, and other vital natural resources for the benefit of present and generations unborn.
As NAIMOS continues to identify, dismantle, and neutralize illegal mining operations across Ghana, the secretariat’s relentless efforts, coupled with its collaboration with regional security councils, serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against the devastating impact of galamsey.
This coordinated and disciplined approach sets the stage for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the country.
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