NAIMOS Pursues Illegal Mining Kingpins Through Sensitive Investigations

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The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has explained why the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has not publicly identified alleged illegal-mining kingpins, citing the “sensitive nature of intelligence-led investigations.”

 Mr Schandorf affirmed that investigators are still pursuing the networks behind galamsey, but cautioned that premature publicity could compromise efforts to trace and apprehend those financing and facilitating the activity.

The Ministry’s Spokesperson explained that investigations often extend beyond miners arrested at operational sites, as interrogations can uncover several layers of people connected to the activity. Investigators must verify those leads and establish the relationships between suspects before determining who is responsible for organising or financing illegal mining.

“But the assurance that we can give to the Ghanaian people still, regardless, is that when it comes to the grabbing of the kingpins, there is only a single attribute that is required, that is political will.”

Mr Schandorf illustrated the complexity through a hypothetical chain in which arrested miners identify a person who recruited them, who then points to another individual and subsequently to a possible financier or organiser. Each claim requires corroboration, he explained, because suspects may provide misleading information that diverts investigators from the actual perpetrators.

Consequently, announcing an arrest too early could alert other members of a suspected network and give them an opportunity to evade apprehension or use their connections to obstruct the process. The spokesperson stressed that investigations continue beyond the immediate spotlight of media coverage.

He also disputed the suggestion that the networks are more powerful than investigators, reasoning that authorities identify connections and initiate inquiries. According to Mr Schandorf, some individuals publicly regarded as kingpins may be “intermediaries” whose apparent influence conceals the people actually financing and coordinating operations.

The spokesperson confirmed that some suspected kingpins were on remand, although he declined to identify them. He attributed the government’s approach to the need to pursue the full chain of responsibility and emphasised that political will is necessary to apprehend influential figures, irrespective of who might be implicated.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is preparing to conclude its principal operations for 2026, with activities targeting illegal mining along the River Pra and Birim as well as the Atewa area, according to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf.

Mr Schandorf indicated that NAIMOS would concentrate on the remaining activities before outlining its renewed strategy for 2027. He further identified the three areas as the focus of the Secretariat’s closing operations for the year.

“As I speak to you, and I think I have clearance to put this on record that NAIMOS has actually gotten support from the Ghana Armed Forces by way of deployment of specialized forces who are going to help with the operations.”

Mr Schandorf explained that the deployment would strengthen efforts to address illegal mining incursions in Atewa, following an earlier public statement by the Secretariat on its intention to tackle the activity in the area. The involvement of specialised forces signals additional operational support for the planned intervention.

He also identified River Pra and Birim as priority locations for the remaining phase of the 2026 campaign. Although he did not provide detailed timelines or operational figures, the spokesperson indicated that the Secretariat is approaching the end of its planned activities for the year.

With the calendar year nearing its close, Mr Schandorf observed that NAIMOS has nearly exhausted its current programme of operations. He therefore framed the three interventions as the immediate priorities before the Secretariat moves into its next phase of work.

Looking ahead, the spokesperson anticipated a renewed anti-galamsey campaign in 2027, promising greater momentum in the fight against illegal mining. However, he withheld details of the future programme, indicating that information about the Secretariat’s next objectives would be communicated in due course.

Atewa Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Eastern Region is facing renewed pressure from illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, threatening its biodiversity and vital water sources. The forest feeds the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers, making its protection important for communities that depend on these water systems.

Eco-Conscious Citizens Coordinator, Madam Awula Serwaa has also called for stronger protection of the Atewa Forest Reserve, warning that illegal mining threatens biodiversity and vital water resources. She has urged the government to upgrade the reserve to a national park, arguing that this would provide greater legal protection against galamsey and other encroachment.

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