NAIMOS only embarks on lawful arrests, but it may go offensive where necessary – Paa Kwesi Schandorf

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has clarified that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducts operations without aggression but may employ decisive measures when faced with imminent threats. NAIMOS' primary objective is to enforce the law through the arrest of individuals involved in illegal mining activities.

Speaking to JoyNews, Media Relations Officer Paa Kwesi Schandorf emphasized that NAIMOS operates within legal boundaries and refrains from actions deemed excessive. However, he clarified that the task force would not hesitate to take appropriate action if its members faced life-threatening or injury-inducing threats during operations.

Schandorf stated that the circumstances surrounding each operation would determine the level of response required from the officers. He stressed that such action would be guided by necessity and proportionality rather than aggression. "When it comes to community obstructions or resistance, NAIMOS' first and principal point of call is to ensure that it acts within the remits of the law and doesn't do anything that can be construed as an excessive reaction," he explained.

Mr Schandorf refuted claims that NAIMOS enters communities with an aggressive approach, emphasizing that its mandate is primarily to arrest illegal miners and enforce the law.

The Ministry's spokesperson noted that while NAIMOS is expected to carry out its operations peacefully, it may resort to decisive measures if the safety of its officers is threatened. Such actions would be proportionate and necessary, aiming to save lives rather than resorting to aggression. Mr Schandorf also cited comments made by the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who affirmed that NAIMOS task force members are entitled to defend themselves when necessary.

He reiterated that the task force would not use force without justification, with the response determined by the severity of the threat.