The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) plans to extend its river protection operations to two more major water bodies before the end of 2026 as it intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel S.K. Appiah, announced this during the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Progress Series media briefing, where he outlined the Secretariat’s operations and achievements between June 13 and September 30, 2026, and its next enforcement priorities.
He said Operation Water Shield, which began on the River Birim before extending to the Ankobra, would be complemented by Operation Green Shield, a sustained intervention targeting illegal mining in the Atiwa Forest Reserve.
Col. Appiah said the strategy was not only to clear illegal miners but also to prevent their return through sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and a planned dedicated riverine unit in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
Hundreds arrested, more than 100 excavators seized
Responding to questions about arrests and seized equipment, Col. Appiah said hundreds of suspected illegal miners had been arrested during the period under review and handed over to the police and other relevant authorities.
He said some suspects were facing court proceedings, others were remanded, and some were granted bail.
NAIMOS also seized more than 100 excavators, which have been secured at designated holding areas across the regions.
Col. Appiah said the Secretariat was documenting the machines’ chassis numbers and GPS locations to support legal processes aimed at securing their confiscation by the state.
Strategy to sustain gains
Addressing concerns about the risk of illegal miners returning after enforcement teams leave cleared areas, Col. Appiah said the military could not remain permanently in every affected community.
He explained that NAIMOS was working to clear and stabilise illegal mining hotspots before gradually transferring routine monitoring and protection responsibilities to relevant security agencies, the Forestry Commission and local communities.
The Secretariat is also strengthening collaboration with Blue Water Guards and other intelligence agencies to improve information-sharing and coordinate enforcement.
Col. Appiah said the operations were being carefully planned to secure lasting results and prevent illegal miners from returning once enforcement teams withdrew.
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