Galamsey fight: NAIMOS commences community engagement to complement enforcement actions

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched a series of community engagements in areas where illegal mining, known as galamsey, is prevalent. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration with stakeholders, improve intelligence sharing, and encourage collective responsibility in combating illegal mining.

Speaking on Thursday, October 29, NAIMOS clarified that these engagements would involve traditional authorities, local government officials, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders. The goal is to address environmental and livelihood challenges posed by illegal mining, but it would not replace ongoing enforcement operations. Instead, it is part of a broader strategy under the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to intensify the fight against illegal mining.

The community engagements are being coordinated by Colonel K. S. Appiah, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS, and a team from the Secretariat. They are working closely with traditional authorities and opinion leaders in selected communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and promote sustainable solutions to illegal mining.

NAIMOS reiterated its commitment to maintaining rigorous enforcement measures while deepening partnerships with communities and other institutions. They emphasized that ongoing collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for a unified and lasting solution to illegal mining across Ghana.