NAIMOS to introduce tougher measures against illegal sand winning

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has announced plans to implement stricter measures against illegal sand winning, following a recent operation that revealed significant environmental damage in the Greater Accra Region. The operation, which uncovered extensive land destruction caused by unregulated sand extraction, has raised alarm about the potential environmental consequences and the impact on nearby communities.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf, a spokesperson for NAIMOS, emphasized that the Secretariat and the sector ministry would work together to quickly review existing measures and introduce interventions to prevent further destruction. He stressed that illegal sand winning poses a new threat to Ghana's fragile environment, warning that the country cannot afford another environmental crisis.

Schandorf stated that NAIMOS and the sector ministry must swiftly develop revised plans to address the issue promptly, as they cannot allow another act of environmental terrorism. The operation was prompted by concerns raised by residents in Afienya, who expressed their worries about the ongoing activities of sand winners and the resulting effects on their communities.

Speaking with JoyNews reporter Stephen Mensah, some residents highlighted the urgent need for intervention to address the situation. Additionally, the Sege District Police Headquarters Commander, Daniel Dan Yaro, called for closer collaboration between the Minerals Commission and security agencies to ensure effective enforcement against illegal sand extraction.

Yaro stressed the importance of professionalism and proper coordination during enforcement operations to avoid excesses and ensure that all parties understand the reasons behind the exercise. He emphasized that nobody should be intimidated and that collaboration is crucial to understanding the basic principle of these enforcement activities.