Government Declares Forests and Rivers Security Zones – Lands Minister Charges NAIMOS to Be Ruthless Against Illegal Miners

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Ag. Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reiterated government’s uncompromising commitment to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), declaring forest reserves and river bodies as Security Zones that will be protected at all costs.

He made this declaration at the closing ceremony of the week-long intensive training programme for personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) held in Sunyani. He commended the team for their relentless efforts and achievements chalked since its establishment in June this year.

Notable among the achievements are the arrests of over a thousand illegal miners, the repossession of nine (9) previously “no-go” forest reserves, and the confiscation of over 900 water pumps machines which have been handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers with irrigation.
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories; victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” He added.

He reminded the task force that the battle was far from over. He described the training not as a routine exercise but as a convergence of purpose – sharpening skills, building cohesion, and harmonizing efforts among the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, NIB, and NACOC officers as one united force.

Hon. Buah also outlined the Ministry’s 5-Pronged Strategy which combines strict enforcement, engagement and education, provision of alternative livelihoods, technological innovation, and institutional coordination. He noted that the training modules, covering weapons handling, field craft, IED awareness, and intelligence coordination were deliberately designed to prepare the team to deal with evolving threats.

“You are the sharpened tip of the spear. Any recalcitrant entrant into these declared Security Zones is not merely a trespasser; they are an enemy of the state and are to be treated as such. You are to be firm, resolute, and ruthless against those who seek to profit from the destruction of our common heritage and at our expense.” Hon. Buah charged.

He further emphasized that the NAIMOS personnel will be deployed permanently in the forest reserves and along the river bodies to provide sustained protection. He urged them to embody vigilance, integrity, and courage, with the assurance that the President and well-meaning Ghanaians are relying on them to secure the environment for future generations. “We cannot fail, and we will not fail,” he emphasized.

The Field Task Force training marks a pivotal moment in government’s aggressive anti-galamsey strategy not only scaling up enforcement but also sustaining reforms in the mining sector to ensure responsible and sustainable practices across the country.

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