The Government has allocated a significant sum of GH¢150 million to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in its 2026 budget to combat the activities of illegal mining (galamsey)
This substantial financial injection underscores the administration’s continued commitment to eradicating this existential threat to the country’s natural resources and environmental sustainability.
“An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for their activities against illegal mining and forest degradation.”
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson,
As the Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, revealed in his Budget Statement and Economic Policy presentation to Parliament, the government has taken a multi-pronged approach to address the illegal mining menace.
Hon. Ato Forson detailed that the Government declared critical water bodies and forest reserves as high-security zones.
He also added that all importers of excavators now require prior approval from the Ministry of Transport, verified by shipping lines and Customs.
The Minerals Commission has begun installing GPS tracking on heavy equipment for real-time monitoring,” Finance Minister stated, highlighting the various measures implemented to tighten control and oversight.
Coordinating the Fight Against Illegal Mining
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) emerged as the central coordinating body in the government’s crackdown on illegal mining activities.
“The NAIMOS now coordinates enforcement across agencies. A dedicated force of 1,000 officers, equipped with surveillance and logistics, is deployed nationwide. Their operations have dismantled illegal camps, seized 51 excavators, four heavy-duty trucks, and 350 pumps, and handed 33 foreign nationals to immigration authorities for prosecution.”
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson,
Promoting Responsible Practices
Recognizing the need for a balanced approach, the government launched initiatives to formalize small-scale mining and promote responsible practices.
The initiatives include but not limited to Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) launched in August 2025, three cooperative schemes which covered Obuasi, Bibiani, and Anwia-Teleku Bokazo. All these initiatives are targeted at promoting responsible mining and rehabilitation.
The Finance Minister also announced the government’s efforts to integrate small-scale miners into the formal economy.
Strengthening Institutional Frameworks
To further strengthen the legal and institutional framework, the government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Minerals and Mining Policy (2014) and Act 703 (2006).
“The update will streamline mandates, strengthen the Minerals Development Fund, and introduce an artisanal and medium-scale mining category to bridge regulatory gaps.”
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson,
This according to Hon. Ato Forson, underscores the administration’s commitment to aligning Ghana’s mining laws with global standards.
The government’s allocation of this whopping amount reflects the administration’s steadfast determination prioritise the wellbeing of the officers to eradicate the scourge of illegal mining.
The secretariat’s coordinated efforts, backed by a dedicated force and advanced surveillance technologies, already yielded tangible results, including the dismantling of illegal camps and the seizure of heavy machinery.
Alongside the crackdown on illegal activities, the government also took steps to find balance between small-scale mining and responsible practices .
This balanced approach aims to address the root causes of the illegal mining problem while providing legal avenues for artisanal and medium-scale miners to operate.
The comprehensive review of mining laws and the strengthening of institutional frameworks further demonstrate the government’s holistic strategy to tackle the illegal mining challenge.
By aligning regulations with global standards and streamlining mandates, the administration seeks to create a more robust and transparent mining sector that can contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
While the government continues to wage its war against illegal mining, the allocation of substantial resources to National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) underscores the seriousness of its commitment.
With the dedication of its enforcement team and the utilization of cutting-edge technologies, NAIMOS is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and paving the way for a more environmentally responsible and economically sustainable mining industry.
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