FC, NAIMOS Join Forces To Fight Illegal Mining In Forest Reserves

The Forestry Commission (FC) and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have initiated talks to bolster cooperation in combating illegal mining within the country's forest reserves. The partnership formation was revealed on the FC's official Facebook page after a gathering between the FC's management and a NAIMOS delegation led by Col. Kwame Appiah.

During the discussion, the FC's CEO, Dr Hugh Brown, acknowledged Col. Appiah for accepting the invitation to meet with the management team. Dr Brown emphasized the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the two institutions to effectively protect the country's forest reserves.

NAIMOS Director, Col. Appiah, expressed gratitude to Dr Brown for the engagement, stating that the meeting provided an opportunity for both entities to discuss effective methods of safeguarding the nation's forests. NAIMOS, under his leadership, collaborates with relevant organizations to combat illegal mining, protect natural resources, and establish a unified framework to tackle the issue.

In a presentation, the Operations Manager for Natural Forest at the Forest Services Division of the FC, Mr Michael Pentsil, outlined the FC's mandate, vision, and mission. He highlighted the number of forest reserves and wildlife areas in the country, as well as the primary factors contributing to deforestation and illegal mining as a significant security threat.

The presentation included 40-year satellite imagery showcasing changes in the Apraprama Forest Reserve as a case study, along with major challenges to protecting the country's forests. Col. Appiah also detailed NAIMOS' operational approach to intercepting illegal mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies. Prior to enforcement actions, NAIMOS engages traditional authorities, political leaders, and community members in affected areas to provide illegal miners adequate time to cease their activities.

NAIMOS works closely with other security agencies in the affected regions to enforce the law. Measures taken by the organization include requiring perpetrators to restore degraded areas, handing suspects over to the police for prosecution, destroying heavy equipment used in illegal mining, and compelling offenders to sign pledges not to return to these activities. Security personnel are also stationed in some locations to monitor the situation and deter illegal miners from returning to the sites.