The Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel Dominic Buah, has vowed that the government will not relent in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as “the enemy of the state.” He disclosed that the Secretariat has achieved an 87.7 per cent operational success rate since its inception in July 2025, signaling a stronger, coordinated approach to curbing the menace.
Addressing the media at the Information Services Department (ISD) Press Centre in Accra yesterday, Colonel Buah said the figures reflected a shift from fragmented enforcement to intelligence-led operations, which had enhanced the effectiveness of interventions across the country. “Our approach has moved from ad-hoc raids to a unified operational framework involving the military, police, immigration, and intelligence services. This coordinated effort has significantly improved outcomes in all seven operational regions,” he explained.
The NAIMOS chief underscored that galamsey posed a serious threat not only to the environment but also to livelihoods and the nation’s natural resources. He highlighted the destruction of rivers, degradation of forest reserves, and contamination of water bodies as major consequences of illegal mining. “We are confronting a complex and highly militarized challenge. Galamsey operators have increasingly resorted to firearms and aggressive tactics to resist enforcement,” Colonel Buah noted. He added that communities living near hotspots often faced intimidation and violence, making enforcement a particularly delicate and dangerous task.
Achievements, successes
Between July 2025 and March 2026, NAIMOS conducted 122 intelligence-driven operations, resulting in the arrest of 237 individuals, including 144 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities. Colonel Buah revealed that 94 excavators were seized and immobilised, while 2,647 chanfang platforms were destroyed. He also disclosed the recovery of 59 firearms and 208 rounds of ammunition, highlighting the growing dangers faced by personnel during field operations.
He noted that early signs of environmental recovery were already evident in rivers such as the Ankobra and Ayensu, where sustained enforcement had been maintained. “These positive developments show that when operations are consistent, intelligence-driven, and multi-agency, we can begin to reverse decades of environmental damage,” he said.
Colonel Buah, however, warned that operational threats remained significant. He acknowledged that NAIMOS personnel had suffered attacks, injuries, and even fatalities while on duty, stressing the need for continued vigilance and protection of field teams. “Our men and women on the frontlines risk their lives daily. Ensuring their safety is paramount as we pursue a zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining,” he added.
He further explained that the militarisation of illegal mining had increased the complexity of operations. “Some operators are highly organized and often plan resistance against our teams. This requires us to adapt constantly, train regularly, and deploy our personnel strategically to minimise risks,” Colonel Buah said.
Plans underway
Colonel Buah stated that NAIMOS would intensify operations nationwide, with a particular focus on river bodies, forest reserves, and known mining corridors. He announced plans for the phased deployment of nine permanent field task forces across high-risk areas. “These deployments will guarantee a sustained presence, unlike sporadic raids that are easily circumvented by illegal miners,” he explained.
He further outlined plans to integrate operations with the Blue Water Guards and enhance training programs for personnel to improve operational efficiency. Colonel Buah stressed that regular rotation of task force members would also be implemented to prevent compromise, corruption, and collusion within the ranks. “Maintaining operational integrity is as important as the enforcement itself. Corruption or collusion cannot be tolerated if we are to achieve lasting results,” he emphasised.
Colonel Buah also highlighted the importance of collaboration with local communities, urging citizens to report illegal mining activities and assist authorities in monitoring sensitive areas. “Community engagement is a critical component of our strategy. Without public support, enforcement efforts alone cannot sustain the progress we have achieved,” he said. He called on traditional leaders and local opinion influencers to take an active role in discouraging galamsey within their jurisdictions.
Coordinated national response
Established in June 2025 by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, NAIMOS serves as the central coordinating body for Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. Its mandate is to lead intelligence-led, multi-agency operations that prioritise environmental protection, resource security, and the enforcement of mining regulations. Colonel Buah noted that the Secretariat’s unified command structure and multi-agency collaboration had become a model for national enforcement efforts.
He explained that the Secretariat continues to conduct periodic reviews of operational strategies to ensure effectiveness, noting that lessons from previous operations had informed the current deployment plans. “We analyse every mission to identify gaps, improve coordination, and ensure that each intervention has a measurable impact,” he said.
Colonel Buah reaffirmed the Secretariat’s unwavering commitment to the fight. “The message is clear: galamsey remains the enemy of the state, and we will not renege in this fight. We will continue to enforce the law, protect our natural resources, and ensure that Ghana’s environment and communities are safeguarded from the destructive impacts of illegal mining,” he stated.
He urged all Ghanaians to support the government’s efforts, warning that continued illegal mining would not only damage the environment but also threaten the country’s economic stability and the welfare of future generations.
About The Author
