The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced a shift in strategy in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, introducing intelligence-led and undercover deployments across affected districts.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Ministry’s Media Liaison Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, revealed that the deployment model under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) has been revised to improve effectiveness.
According to him, personnel will now be stationed permanently in selected districts and operate undercover to gather intelligence and clamp down on illegal mining activities.
“The NAIMOS deployment has been changed. We are working on intelligence-led permanent deployment where personnel will be stationed in districts and operate undercover,” he stated.
Mr. Schandorf acknowledged that illegal mining remains a major national challenge that cannot be resolved in the short term.
He explained that the situation has worsened significantly over the past eight years, making the fight more complex and difficult to tackle quickly.
“Galamsey did not start today, and it is not something that can be ended immediately. The level of destruction is massive, and it is still a national crisis,” he said.
He stressed that due to the complexity of the issue, authorities are unable to provide a clear timeline for completely ending illegal mining.
Mr. Schandorf further disclosed that enforcement efforts are often complicated by social and political pressures, including interventions by influential individuals on behalf of suspects.
“Sometimes when people are arrested, others come to plead on their behalf, including pastors and chiefs. This makes the situation very complex,” he noted.
He also assured that government remains committed to intensifying the fight against illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural resources.
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