The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the establishment of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to serve as the central command for Ghana’s renewed fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Speaking during a sectoral update on Wednesday, July 23, he said the move forms part of a broader government strategy to tackle the persistent threat of illegal small-scale mining and its destructive impact on water bodies, forest reserves, and the environment.
“To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the Ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.
The Minister noted that NAIMOS will act as a unified operational hub, integrating security, environmental, and legal responses under one coordinated framework to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of anti-galamsey operations.
As part of its mandate, the Secretariat is working closely with key institutions including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance (GRA-Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to track the entry of excavators and other earth-moving equipment into the country.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (GRA-Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” he added.