In it’s efforts to fight the growing menace of galamsey, the Government of Ghana has officially inaugurated the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a centralized, intelligence-led body mandated to coordinate and enforce anti-galamsey efforts across the country.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Accra, was led by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, with strong collaboration from the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and the Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah.
“With 16% of our land reserves already degraded by illegal mining activities, NAIMOS will provide the focused leadership required to win this fight.
“We will support the Secretariat’s operations without fear or favour,” Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah declared emphatically.
NAIMOS is designed as a coordination hub for state security agencies battling the scourge of illegal mining. Its creation follows years of disjointed enforcement efforts and overlapping institutional mandates that have diluted impact and accountability.
The Secretariat will operate in coordination with key national agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, National Security Secretariat, National Investigations Bureau, and the Narcotics Control Board, among others.
This collaborative framework is designed to ensure a comprehensive and unified approach to addressing illegal mining and related security challenges.
NAIMOS will be primarily responsible for coordinating anti-galamsey efforts across all state security forces. It will also develop tactical field strategies, lead on-the-ground operations, and enforce environmental and mining laws in collaboration with established regulatory bodies.
In addition, the Secretariat will work closely with traditional leaders and local communities to strengthen grassroots support and intelligence. It will regularly report to the Ministry of Lands on its activities, emerging trends, and the broader impact of operations on policy and enforcement.
“NAIMOS is not just another taskforce. It is a command structure underpinned by data, intelligence, and collaboration,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the event, Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak pledged unwavering support from his ministry.
“NAIMOS has our full operational backing. We are determined to restore order and dignity to Ghana’s natural resource governance,” he promised.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, representing Minister Dr. Omane Boamah, underscored the military’s readiness to assist NAIMOS, especially in reclaiming forests and protecting polluted water bodies.
“This initiative has the endorsement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. The military is ready and committed to serve under NAIMOS’ leadership,” he said.
Even before its formal launch, NAIMOS has recorded major operational successes. Coordinated raids in the Eastern, Ashanti, Western, Central, and Western North regions have led to the seizure of over 50 excavators, three bulldozers, a van, several generators, and mining equipment. Dozens of illegal miners have also been arrested.
The Secretariat, now fully resourced and empowered, is expected to intensify operations with a clear mandate: to dismantle illegal mining networks and enforce sustainable practices.
NAIMOS will work closely with traditional leaders and communities, recognizing that the fight against illegal mining cannot succeed without grassroots engagement and trust.
The launch event drew attendance from across the national security and natural resources spectrum, including security commanders, chiefs, and civil society stakeholders. All voiced strong support for NAIMOS’ mission and the urgent need for action.
NAIMOS’ establishment marks a turning point in Ghana’s battle against environmental destruction from illegal mining.
With institutional coordination, intelligence-led operations, and full political backing, government aims to permanently reverse the tide of land degradation, river pollution, and forest depletion caused by galamsey.
By Leo Nelson