NAIMOS is tasked with flushing out illegal miners from Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies
The National Security Secretariat has issued a stern warning to chiefs, politicians, and opinion leaders in the Eastern Region to refrain from interfering in the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as it commences its activities in the region.
Speaking to the press on Monday, October 13, the Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Francis Annor Dompreh, cautioned that any traditional leader or politician who attempts to intervene or plead on behalf of individuals arrested for illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, will face arrest and prosecution.
According to a citinewsroom.com report, Francis Annor Dompreh emphasised that NAIMOS, established under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, operates under a direct mandate from the president to curb illegal mining activities across Ghana.
Lands minister charges NAIMOS to be ruthless against galamseyers
“I keep emphasising that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat was put together by the president himself, and they report to the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The order is straightforward: Let the waters be blue, clean, and drinkable, like they used to be. Let the forest be green,” Annor Dompreh stated.
He further warned that NAIMOS will not spare anyone involved in illegal mining, regardless of their status.
“We don’t know any chief. We don’t know anybody. The order is clear: Get out! If you are a chief or anyone else with machines on the rivers or in the forest, you better pack your things and leave. Don’t go near there, because you will not be allowed. Whether you come in the morning, afternoon, or night, you will be dealt with,” he declared.
Illegal miners arrested in Anwiafutu Forest Reserve by NAIMOS
Annor Dompreh reiterated that the directive from the Presidency must be respected by all stakeholders, noting the government’s commitment to restoring the environment affected by galamsey.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat is a special-purpose unit tasked with coordinating, monitoring, and leading intelligence-driven field operations to combat illegal mining nationwide.
GA/AM
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