Galamsey: NAIMOS arrests 13 in Osino; destroys equipment (Photos+Video)

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAI MOS) has intensified its efforts to tackle illegal mining in Osino, Eastern Region, arresting 13 suspected illegal miners. This operation, part of ongoing government strategies to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, saw the destruction of equipment at the site. Just days after a similar operation at the same location, NAI MOS officials found illegal miners returning to the site, highlighting the difficulty of sustaining the impact of periodic operations.

Fifteen-year-old Bernard, who was brought to the site by an unknown individual, explained he joined to earn a living and help with his education. NAI MOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf stated that the recurrence of illegal miners underscores the necessity of a permanent security presence at these hotspots. He emphasized that the government's strategy involves maintaining permanent deployments in areas affected by illegal mining to prevent miners from returning to cleared sites.

Schandorf also called for stronger local enforcement, suggesting communities with Police stations should be able to respond swiftly to illegal mining activities. The spokesperson acknowledged the support of police, National Security, and other state agencies in the operations, but called for more effort from all stakeholders, including residents.

The persistent nature of galamsey, with houses, shops, and other activities near mining sites, demonstrates how deeply the practice has become entrenched in some communities, making the fight a national concern.