The government has set up the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in efforts to curb illegal mining activities (galamsey) in the country.

Speaking during an update on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the newly established Secretariat will act as the brain of Ghana’s anti-illegal mining operations.

“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 Secretariat is expected to collaborate with other key institutions, such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA-Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as part of their mandate.

Their collaboration will ensure that excavators and other earth-moving equipment that enter the country are not diverted to illegal mining activities.

“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.

Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge for the country. Several Chinese individuals have been involved in illegal activities, leading to their arrest.

The then Akufo-Addo-led government was criticized for failing to confront the issue. Before taking office, President Mahama expressed confidence in implementing lasting solutions to restore Ghana’s environment and protect future generations.

As such, President Mahama assured to repeal L.I. 2462, which he argued has been shielding the operations of illegal miners. The L.I. 2462 has yet to be accomplished.

To him, the first step toward collapsing illegal trade is to provide alternative livelihoods for those involved, such as a cooperative mining scheme.

“You are currently the president of Ghana, and it is your responsibility to deal with galamsey now. After January 7, 2025, when Ghanaians have elected me, I will take responsibility and sort out illegal mining.

It looks like he doesn't live in this country because I have commented on galamsey extensively. The University of Energy and Natural Resources gave leaders a platform to outline their small-scale mining policy. I outlined NDC's policy and answered questions for two hours," he stated.

The president also revealed plans to introduce the ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’ to restore eroded environments as well as water bodies caused by illegal activities.

On 17 March this year, 460 Blue Water Guards were deployed to galamsey-prone areas, like the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom, and the others.

According to the Ghana Police Service, a total of 208 individuals have been apprehended and 99 excavators seized as part of the government's anti-galamsey operation.

These arrests and confiscation of mining equipment were undertaken between March and May in hotspots, particularly the Western Region, according to reports.

According to President Mahama, eight out of nine forest reserves known as no-go zones and controlled by illegal miners have been repossessed by the government.

A few months ago, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies.

The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion, according to the sector minister.

The joint Military-Forestry Commission task force that conducted targeted operations in high-risk districts across the Ashanti, Western, and Western North Regions led to the seizure of 100 excavators, three bulldozers, and four vehicles.

On the other hand, excavator owners and operators who have failed to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has declared galamsey a national emergency, requiring collaborative efforts to end the canker. He has also reiterated the government's commitment to winning the fight against galamsey activities.

“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency. The national task force will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” he added.

In the meantime, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the University of Teachers Association Ghana (UTAG) has threatened to strike in the coming days should the government fail to make significant 'progress' in its fight against galamsey.

The Association has argued that despite several key promises made, the government is yet to make headway. In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, the Council demanded that President John Dramani Mahama fulfill his pledge to eradicate the menace.

"President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet yielded the concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge. We are yet to see this pledge materialize in a way that can halt and reverse the wanton destruction of our forest reserves, water bodies, and arable lands. We are yet to see any coherent, practically relevant, and workable policies from the President and his government to address the galamsey menace permanently," parts of the statement read.