The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has once again demonstrated its relentless commitment to combating the activities of illegal mining, otherwise referred as “galamsey,” with a recent coordinated operation in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
According to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Forestry Commission, Elikem Eric Kevin Kotoko, this renewed operation, underscores the Secretariat’s continued efforts to bring to an end the activities of criminal mining and safeguard country’s precious natural resources.
“The operation dealt a significant blow to illegal mining activities within the Birim North District, with NAIMOS reaffirming its commitment to restoring sanity to Ghana’s mining sector.”
Elikem Eric Kevin Kotoko
Taskforce Operation
During the operation, the NAIMOS taskforce made multiple arrests, immobilized heavy equipment, and recovered cash and other items linked to this illegal mining activities.
At Pankese, the team apprehended one foreign national believed to be a mechanic and four Ghanaian nationals engaged in unlawful mining.
They seized four excavators, one car washing machine, and two buckets of hydraulic oil. Further along at the Anokye Site, the taskforce encountered eight excavators, four of which were already stripped of their control systems, while the remaining four operational ones were promptly immobilized.
“A total of four(4) excavators were discovered – two(2) without control boards or monitors, and two(2) with intact control systems, which were seized and immobilized to render them unusable. “
Elikem Eric Kevin Kotoko
The Deputy CEO further disclosed that “the team also seized one(1) car washing machine and two(2) buckets of hydraulic oil.” These syndicates were handed over to the New Abirem Police Station for further investigation and processing.
The recovery of cash, weapons, and operational equipment during the operation reflects the growing sophistication and organization of illegal mining syndicates.
Ghana’s extractive industry has long been confronted with the ravages of illegal mining activities, with the proliferation of this menace causing widespread environmental degradation and water pollution.
In response, the government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to spearhead the fight against this illicit activity.
The Secretariat has since been at the forefront of the battle, conducting a series of targeted operations across the country to combat the operations of illegal mining.
These efforts have yielded tangible results, with the Secretariat successfully seizing equipment, arresting suspects, and disrupting the criminal networks that threatens natural resources.
Sanity and Protecting the Environment
The latest operation in the Birim North District symbolizes NAIMOS’ dedication to this critical mission.
By dismantling illegal mining operations, seizing equipment, and apprehending suspects, the Secretariat is sending a clear message that the government will not tolerate the wanton destruction of the country’s environment and natural resources.
While NAIMOS continues to intensify its operations across the country, the extractive industry can expect to see a sustained crackdown on illicit activities.
This robust approach, combined with the Secretariat’s disciplined execution and intelligence-driven tactics, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the ongoing battle to safeguard the country’s natural heritage and pave the way for responsible and sustainable mining practices.
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