Dr Eric Afful Breaks Silence on Galamsey as He Pledges Support for NAIMOS Operations

The Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K. S. Appiah, has engaged the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, Dr Eric Afful, on strategies to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.

The meeting, held on Saturday, October 31, focused on the environmental, security and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining in Amenfi West and other parts of the Western Region.

Both parties explored practical measures to improve collaboration between NAIMOS, political leaders, traditional authorities and local communities to tackle the persistent menace.

During the engagement, Colonel Appiah provided an update on the Secretariat’s ongoing operations in the region, highlighting recent interventions against illegal mining along the Ankobra River corridor and in neighbouring communities.

He emphasised that rivers, forest reserves and areas surrounding critical public infrastructure remained prohibited zones for mining activities.

The NAIMOS Director of Operations also outlined a shift in the Secretariat’s enforcement strategy from temporary raids to a more comprehensive approach involving clearance, stabilisation, monitoring and eventual handover of affected areas.

He explained that the strategy would be reinforced through expanded riverine operations in partnership with the Ghana Navy to prevent illegal miners from returning to locations after enforcement teams had completed their operations.

Colonel Appiah further called for the fight against illegal mining to be insulated from partisan political interests.

He urged political, traditional and community leaders to refrain from interfering in enforcement activities, including making representations for the release of arrested suspects or equipment confiscated during operations.

The meeting also addressed the extensive damage illegal mining has caused to cocoa farms, roads, water bodies and other community infrastructure.

Participants highlighted the importance of developing alternative opportunities to help people involved in mining transition into lawful and environmentally sustainable activities.

For his part, Dr Eric Afful welcomed the engagement and expressed support for sustained efforts to eliminate illegal mining.

However, he stressed the need to create legitimate mining opportunities for individuals and communities whose livelihoods depend on the sector.

The Amenfi West MP also pledged to support legislative and advocacy efforts aimed at encouraging responsible mining, protecting water bodies and agricultural land, and improving accountability within the mining industry.

As Chairman of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Board of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Dr Afful indicated his readiness to contribute to wider policy discussions on sustainable development and environmental protection.

He further committed to engaging traditional authorities, community representatives and local constituency structures to strengthen public education and encourage residents to report suspected illegal mining activities to the relevant authorities.

Dr Afful also proposed that NAIMOS organise entry and exit engagements with local stakeholders before and after enforcement operations.

He explained that the approach would enable local security structures and community representatives to help monitor cleared areas and prevent illegal miners from returning.

Both parties agreed that achieving sustainable results in the fight against illegal mining would require firm enforcement, stronger legislation, active community participation, responsible mining practices and continuous public education.

The NAIMOS delegation included the Secretariat’s Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the area commander, a staff member and the Police Liaison Officer.

The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s rivers, forests, agricultural lands and public infrastructure while promoting lawful and environmentally responsible mining activities.

Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/naimos-amenfi-west-mp-agree-to-strengthen-collaboration-against-illegal-mining/

MrJacobs feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com