NAIMOS vows self-defence against hostile attacks as anti-galamsey operations intensify
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in Ghana is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal mining, known as 'galamsey'. The agency is expanding its river protection operations and has warned that personnel will use self-defense if faced with hostile attacks.
Why it matters
Illegal mining causes significant environmental degradation to water bodies, and the government's enforcement efforts are a major point of political and social contention in Ghana.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reaffirmed its commitment to lawful enforcement in the fight against illegal mining, warning that its personnel will defend themselves against hostile acts and hostile intent during operations.
The Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Colonel K.S. Appiah, said task force personnel deployed to the field would operate within their authority, preserve evidence and treat suspects lawfully while pursuing illegal mining operators.
“However, we will continue to reserve our right to self-defence against hostile acts and hostile intent,” he said.
Colonel Appiah stressed that the success of the anti-galamsey campaign should not be measured solely by the number of operations conducted but also by the lasting impact of the interventions.
According to him, key indicators of progress include keeping cleared areas secure, reducing illegal mining activities, advancing cases through the justice system and achieving measurable environmental recovery.
NAIMOS expands river protection operations
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