The Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Colonel K. S. Appiah, recently met with Dr Eric Afful, Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, to enhance stakeholder collaboration in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana. The meeting focused on the environmental, security, and socio-economic impacts of illegal mining in the Amenfi area and the wider Western Region. Discussions centered on practical measures to strengthen cooperation among NAIMOS, political leadership, traditional authorities, and local communities.
Colonel Appiah briefed Dr Afful on ongoing NAIMOS operations in the region, including recent interventions to curb illegal mining affecting the Ankobra River corridor and surrounding communities. He emphasized that rivers, forest reserves, and areas around critical public infrastructure remain strict no-go zones for illegal mining. NAIMOS is shifting from temporary enforcement raids to a more sustained approach, supported by enhanced riverine operations in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
The objective of NAIMOS' new approach is to prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared areas after enforcement teams withdraw. Colonel Appiah stressed the need to depoliticise the fight against illegal mining and appealed to leaders to refrain from intervening on behalf of arrested suspects or seeking the release of equipment seized during operations. The discussions also highlighted the destruction of local infrastructure and the need to guide miners towards lawful and environmentally responsible operations.
Dr Eric Afful welcomed the engagement and expressed support for sustained action against illegal mining. He emphasized the need to create lawful pathways for people whose livelihoods depend on mining. As Chair of Parliament's Economy and Development Committee, Dr Afful is well-placed to contribute to broader policy discussions on development and environmental protection.
Dr Afful recommended that NAIMOS hold entry and exit meetings during enforcement operations to enable local security structures to monitor cleared areas and prevent their reoccupation. He also expressed his willingness to work with traditional leaders, community representatives, and constituency structures to strengthen public education and encourage the reporting of illegal mining activities.
Both sides agreed that lasting progress in combating illegal mining requires a combination of decisive enforcement, stronger legislation, community cooperation, responsible mining practices, and sustained public education. The delegation from NAIMOS included the Spokesperson for the Secretariat, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the NAIMOS commander for the area, a staff at the Secretariat, and the Police Liaison Officer at NAIMOS.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to working with Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to protect Ghana's rivers, forests, farmland, and public infrastructure while supporting legitimate and responsible mining. The collaboration aims to address the complex issues surrounding illegal mining and promote sustainable development in the region.
Key points
- NAIMOS and stakeholders collaborate to combat illegal mining in Ghana.
- The fight against illegal mining requires a combination of enforcement, legislation, and community cooperation.
- Stakeholders emphasize the need for responsible mining practices and sustained public education.
