NAIMOS has cleared nearly 49 forest reserves of illegal miners - Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama reported that Ghana is making significant strides in combating illegal mining, also known as galamsey, which threatens the country's forests and water sources. During a tour of the Upper East Region, Mahama pledged the government's continued dedication to safeguarding natural resources from illegal mining activities. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been instrumental in this effort, successfully clearing nearly 49 forest reserves of illegal miners.

NAIMOS has taken decisive action against illegal mining operations by seizing equipment such as excavators and Changfang machines, and driving out miners from the affected areas. According to Mahama, the government's intensified campaign is beginning to show positive results, particularly in forest reserves that had been heavily encroached upon by illegal miners.

In the past, the government had simply handed over cleared forest reserves to the Forestry Commission, but now, a military detachment is stationed at these locations to prevent re-invasion by illegal miners.

Mahama acknowledged that this new strategy requires additional resources, including feeding soldiers and providing logistics for their presence in reclaimed forest reserves. Despite this financial burden, the President remains committed to eliminating illegal mining and protecting Ghana's forests and water bodies from further damage.