NAIMOS intensifies fight against galamsey, targets two more rivers before year-end

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has announced plans to extend its river protection operations to two additional major water bodies before the end of the year, as it steps up efforts to tackle illegal mining and protect gains made in previously cleared areas.

The Director of Operations for NAIMOS, Colonel S.K. Appiah, disclosed this during the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Progress Series media briefing on Thursday, where he presented an account of NAIMOS operations and achievements from June 13 to September 30, 2026, while outlining the next phase of the Secretariat’s enforcement strategy.

He highlighted Operation Water Shield, which began on the River Birim before extending to the Ankobra, and announced plans for Operation Green Shield, a sustained intervention targeting illegal mining in the Atiwa Forest Reserve.

He explained that the next phase would focus not only on clearing illegal miners but also on preventing their return through sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations and a planned dedicated riverine unit in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.

Responding to questions from journalists on the number of arrests, seized equipment and the sustainability of operations after NAIMOS withdraws from cleared areas, Col. Appiah disclosed that hundreds of suspected illegal miners had been arrested during the period under review.

He said those apprehended had been handed over to the police and other relevant authorities, with some facing court proceedings, others on remand and some granted bail.

Col. Appiah also revealed that NAIMOS had seized more than 100 excavators during the period, with the machines secured at designated holding areas across the regions.

The Secretariat, he noted, is documenting the chassis numbers and GPS locations of seized excavators to support legal processes aimed at securing their confiscation by the state.

On concerns about whether other security agencies and local institutions could sustain the gains after NAIMOS completes its operations, Col. Appiah explained that the military could not remain permanently in every affected area.

He said the strategy was to clear and stabilise illegal mining hotspots before gradually transferring routine monitoring and protection responsibilities to relevant security institutions, the Forestry Commission and local communities.

He added that NAIMOS was strengthening collaboration with Blue Water Guards and other intelligence agencies to improve information-sharing and coordinate enforcement.

Reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment, he said its operations were being carefully sequenced to achieve lasting results rather than conduct widespread interventions that would allow illegal miners to return once enforcement teams moved on.