The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has stepped up its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, seizing equipment and making arrests as part of intensified efforts to curb galamsey activities.
At a media briefing in Accra, Director of Operations, Col. Dominic Buah, disclosed that the taskforce has confiscated 94 excavators and arrested 237 individuals, most of whom are foreign nationals.
“94 excavators so far have been seized and secured in our location. Almost 3,000 changfans destroyed. Arrests: We have 237. The majority of them are foreigners,” he stated.
He explained that NAIMOS evaluates its operational effectiveness using a strike rate system, which currently stands at 87.7 percent.
“Anytime we move to the field and meet one of the key parameters seizures, arrests, and destruction we count it as a positive. That determines the strike rate,” he said.
Col. Buah noted that due to logistical challenges, some excavators are immobilised at mining sites instead of being removed, a strategy he said has contributed to a sharp decline in their presence.
“I must tell you that at galamsey sites, the number of excavators is going down drastically. We used to meet 10 to 20 excavators, but now you hardly meet any. The ones you find are already immobilised,” he added.
Despite these gains, he acknowledged that illegal miners continue to evolve their tactics. “Unfortunately, the galamseyers are also smart. They keep coming up with new ideas on how to fix the excavators,” he noted.
As part of environmental recovery efforts, NAIMOS is collaborating with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation to clear metal debris from polluted water bodies.
“They are currently on the Ankobra. I was there last week with them, and they are packing all the damaged changfan metal fabrications from the waterway,” he said.
He added that the Secretariat is systematically working across affected areas to remove scrap materials and repurpose them. “We move diligently from one water body to another and pack all the scrap. We can put them to good use,” he stated.
The agency is also redirecting seized equipment to support other sectors. According to Col. Buah, pumping machines recovered from illegal miners are being handed over to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to aid farming activities.
“Pumping machines, through the Ministry of Agriculture, will be repurposed. We want to ensure they are not sent back to galamsey sites but used for good,” he explained.
He further revealed that confiscated vehicles are being integrated into official operations after due legal processes. “Vehicles seized are pushed into operations once they are formally processed by the Attorney-General’s Department so that we can pool resources to fight this canker,” he said.
Touching on security concerns, Col. Buah disclosed that at least 59 weapons have been retrieved from illegal miners, describing the situation as a major threat. “We had a few encounters where one of my soldiers was shot. Luckily, the bullet hit his tie, and he is recovering,” he revealed.
He issued a stern warning to individuals who may attempt to attack security personnel. “NAIMOS will not stand by and watch people use weapons against us. We are better trained, and anybody who dares, we will deal with them ruthlessly,” he cautioned.
The intensified operations form part of broader national efforts to tackle illegal mining, protect water bodies, and safeguard Ghana’s environment from further degradation.
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