Hot Source…Applauds NAIMOS
The Divisional Chief of Jomoro in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, Nana Kwame Nkansah II, has withdrawn and apologised for comments criticizing the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force.
The apology comes after a recent NAIMOS-led operation at the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, which resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicle.
In an earlier press release, Nana Nkansah questioned the legitimacy of the raid and doubted the credibility of the Task Force. However, after consulting with his elders and local opinion leaders, he has now acknowledged that his comments were made in error.
“I have come to the conclusion that the action taken by the NAIMOS Task Force was appropriate, and I wish to retract and apologise to the key stakeholders who may have been offended by my earlier statement,” the chief said in a new statement dated 13 October 2025.
He explained that his initial position was based on information provided by some of his employees, but further checks and briefings showed that the NAIMOS operation was both lawful and justified.
“The raid was legitimate because it supported the national policy of combating illegal mining near riverbanks and within forest reserves,” Nana Nkansah stated.
He praised the Task Force for its “dedication and patriotism” in safeguarding the environment from destructive and unlawful mining activities, emphasising his full support for the government’s efforts to conserve Ghana’s natural resources.
“I remain committed to lawful mining, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment, and I will not support any activity that harms our natural environment,” he added.
The NAIMOS Task Force has been spearheading a nationwide campaign to crack down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to threaten water bodies and forest reserves across Ghana.
Below is the full statement;
13 October, 2025
RE: JOMORO CHIEF REFUTES ILLEGAL MINING ALLEGATION– MY COMMENTS AGAINST NAIMOS TASK FORCE UNFORTUNATE
Following the recent operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force at the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, which resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of a Land Cruiser V8 vehicle, my attention has been drawn to some comments made by me, Nana Kwame Nkansah II, the Divisional Chief of Jomoro in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.
In a press release published by my office, I sought to contradict and question NAIMOS’s decision to conduct the raid in my area and attacked the credibility of NAIMOS.
After consulting with my elders and some opinion leaders, I concluded that the action taken by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force was appropriate, and I would like to retract and apologise to the various key stakeholders who may have been offended by my statement in the aftermath.
The raid was legitimate because it supported the company’s operational policy of combating illegal mining near riverbanks and forest reserve areas.
This was due to the earlier information provided by my employees, but after several checks and briefings, I erred in my comments.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the NAIMOS Task Force on its dedication and patriotism in the fight against irresponsible and unlawful mining activities that threaten to harm and pollute our water bodies.
I am also committed to lawful mining, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment, and I will not support any activity that harms our natural resources.
Signed
Nana Kwame Nkansah II
Divisional Chief of Jomoro of Aowin Municipal
Western North Region
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