The Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel Dominic Buah, has reiterated government’s renewed efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, revealing an 87.7 per cent operational strike rate since July 2025.
Addressing the media at the ISD Press Centre in Accra, he said the figures demonstrated a clear shift from fragmented enforcement to coordinated, intelligence-led action. Colonel Buah explained that illegal mining, widely known as ‘galamsey,’ had evolved into an environmental crisis, threatening water bodies, forest reserves, and livelihoods.
“This is no longer just an environmental issue; it is an existential threat to Ghana,” he emphasised.
Colonel Buah revealed that within 10 months of operation, the Secretariat had established a unified command structure, bringing together the military, police, immigration, and intelligence services under a single operational framework. This, he added, had significantly improved enforcement outcomes across all seven operational regions.
NAIMOS conducted 122 operations between July 2025 and March 2026, leading to 237 arrests, including 144 foreign nationals. Colonel Buah highlighted that every operation was intelligence-driven and results-oriented, with 94 excavators seized and immobilised, alongside 2,647 chanfang platforms destroyed.
The Director of Operations revealed that NAIMOS had begun collaborating with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GISDEC) to clear metal debris from polluted water bodies. GISDEC teams were currently working along the Ankobra River, collecting damaged mining equipment and scrap materials for recycling and repurposing.
Additionally, Col. Buah stated that some seized pumping machines were being handed over to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for redistribution to farmers, while confiscated vehicles, upon legal clearance, were being integrated into operational use.
He further disclosed that 59 firearms and 208 rounds of ammunition were recovered, underscoring the growing militarisation of illegal mining activities. Colonel Buah added that early signs of environmental recovery had been recorded along rivers such as Ankobra and Ayensu where sustained enforcement was maintained.
Threats to personnel remain a major concern, with reported attacks, injuries, and even fatalities during operations. Col. Buah said his outfit remained resolute in its mandate and would deal decisively with illegal miners until the practice was completely eradicated.
He cautioned persons involved in ‘galamsey’ to desist from the activity and rather take advantage of government-backed mining co-operatives being established to provide sustainable and lawful employment.
Looking ahead, Colonel Buah stated that NAIMOS would intensify nationwide operations with a focus on river bodies, forest reserves, and mining corridors. He announced plans for the phased deployment of nine permanent field task forces across key hotspots.
“These deployments will ensure sustained presence rather than sporadic raids,” he explained.
The Director of Operations further indicated that closer integration with the Blue Water Guards and enhanced training for personnel would be critical to improving operational efficiency. “Regular rotation of task force members would also be implemented to prevent compromise and corruption,” Colonel Buah noted.
He lamented that NAIMOS personnel were being attacked by illegal miners and mentioned a case in which a soldier sustained gunshot injuries but survived. He warned that NAIMOS operatives would not hesitate to defend themselves against armed resistance.
“We are well trained, and any attempt to attack our personnel will be met with a firm response,” Col. Buah cautioned.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) was established in June 2025 by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as a central coordinating body to lead Ghana’s fight against illegal mining through intelligence-led, multi-agency operations.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
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