The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to ending illegal mining (galamsey), announcing that all forest reserves and river bodies have now been designated as Security Zones to be protected at all costs.
He made the declaration at the closing ceremony of a week-long intensive training programme for personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in Sunyani.
Commending the team, the Minister highlighted significant gains since NAIMOS was established in June this year.
Among the key achievements are the arrest of more than 1,000 illegal miners, the repossession of nine previously inaccessible forest reserves, and the seizure of over 900 water pumping machines—later handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers with irrigation.
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories; victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” he declared.
Mr. Buah urged the task force to remain vigilant, stressing that the fight is far from over.
He described the training not as routine but as a convergence of purpose—sharpening skills, building cohesion, and harmonizing efforts among the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, NIB, and NACOC officers to act as one united force.
He further outlined the Ministry’s Five-Pronged Strategy: strict enforcement, engagement and education, provision of alternative livelihoods, technological innovation, and institutional coordination.
The training modules—ranging from weapons handling and field craft to IED awareness and intelligence coordination—were designed to prepare the force for evolving threats.
“You are the sharpened tip of the spear. Any recalcitrant entrant into these declared Security Zones is not merely a trespasser; they are an enemy of the state and are to be treated as such. You are to be firm, resolute, and ruthless against those who seek to profit from the destruction of our common heritage and at our expense,” he charged.
The Minister emphasized that NAIMOS personnel will be permanently deployed in forest reserves and along river bodies to ensure sustained protection.
He urged them to embody vigilance, integrity, and courage, assuring that both the President and well-meaning Ghanaians are counting on them to safeguard the environment for future generations. “We cannot fail, and we will not fail,” he stressed.
The field task force training, he added, marks a pivotal step in government’s intensified anti-galamsey strategy—moving beyond enforcement to embed long-term reforms that will promote responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
