Hot SourceThe Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has intensified efforts to combat Ghana’s escalating environmental threat, illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, with the launch of an extensive training programme for personnel assigned to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS).
Galamsey, has become a significant concern in Ghana, causing widespread deforestation, contamination of water bodies and soil, and adversely affecting crop yields. In response, President John Mahama directed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to halt the issuance of new mining licences to allow for a thorough assessment of the sector.
Further steps include a letter to the Attorney General seeking the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which has been a source of contention among civil society organisations and Ghanaians concerned about environmental protection.
The newly established NAIMOS aims to coordinate anti-galamsey activities more effectively, building on previous initiatives such as the Blue Water Guards and the Responsible Community Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
Under the programme, over 44,000 security personnel will be trained to handle illegal mining professionally.
The training covers forest laws, land management, and operational guidelines, equipping personnel to deter, halt, discourage, and arrest offenders. They will also work in close collaboration with traditional authorities, ensuring that their duties are not compromised.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised that the government is not opposed to responsible mining but is strongly against illegal and environmentally destructive practices, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.
The trained personnel will be deployed permanently to major galamsey hotspots across the country on a rotational basis to prevent familiarity and ensure effectiveness.
The programme also includes briefings from key agencies, including the Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission, and Lands Commission.
“Within 72 hours of announcing this initiative, training has commenced for thousands of personnel who will be stationed at 44 to 50 critical locations nationwide,” the Minister said.
NAIMOS represents a decisive next step in the government’s anti-galamsey strategy, complementing prior measures such as tracking and geo-fencing of excavators, the establishment of Blue Water Guards, and the rCOMSDEP initiative.
The task force is expected to work tirelessly to reduce water turbidity and the concentration of heavy metals resulting from illegal mining activities.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as Caretaker Minister for Environment, reiterated the government’s commitment, noting that further strategies will be rolled out in the coming days to reinforce the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
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