The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed government’s uncompromising commitment to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), declaring all forest reserves and river bodies 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.
The Minister commended the task force for their achievements since its establishment in June this year, including the arrest of more than 1,000 illegal miners, the repossession of nine previously restricted forest reserves, and the confiscation of over 900 water pumps, which have been handed to the Ministry of Agriculture for irrigation support.
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories; victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” he said.
Mr Buah reminded the task force that the battle was far from over, describing the training as a convergence of purpose — sharpening skills, building cohesion, and harmonizing efforts among the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, NIB, and NACOC officers.
Outlining the Ministry’s five-pronged strategy — strict enforcement, engagement and education, provision of alternative livelihoods, technological innovation, and institutional coordination — he explained that the training modules, covering weapons handling, field craft, IED awareness, and intelligence coordination, were designed to prepare personnel to counter 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 at our expense,” he charged.
He 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 them that the President and Ghanaians are relying on them to secure the environment for future generations.
“We cannot fail, and we will not fail,” he stressed.
The Field Task Force training marks a pivotal moment in government’s anti-galamsey strategy, scaling up enforcement and driving reforms to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices nationwide.
Source: Adomonline
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