The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially declared all forest reserves and river bodies in Ghana as Security Zones, vowing that they will be protected at all costs in the government’s intensified fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of a week-long intensive training program for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) personnel in Sunyani.
“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,” Mr. Buah charged, urging the trained personnel to be firm, resolute, and ruthless in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
Permanent Deployment of Anti-Galamsey Task Force
The Minister disclosed that NAIMOS operatives will be permanently stationed in forest reserves and along major river bodies to provide sustained protection against illegal mining activities. He stressed that the success of this operation depends on the vigilance, integrity, and courage of the task force.
“We cannot fail, and we will not fail,” he emphasized, assuring the personnel of the government’s full backing.
Major Achievements of NAIMOS Since June
Mr. Buah commended the team for their accomplishments since its establishment in June 2025. Notable achievements include:
- Over 1,000 illegal miners arrested
- Nine previously ‘no-go’ forest reserves reclaimed
- More than 900 water pumping machines confiscated, later handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture to support irrigation for farmers
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories—victories for our land, our water, and our people,” he stated.
A United Security Front
The Minister reminded the task force that the fight against illegal mining is far from over. He described the training as more than a routine exercise, noting it was designed to build cohesion among officers from the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), ensuring a united security front.
Five-Pronged Strategy to Combat Illegal Mining
Outlining the Ministry’s comprehensive 5-Pronged Strategy, Mr. Buah said the plan integrates:
- Strict enforcement of mining laws
- Engagement and education of communities
- Provision of alternative livelihoods
- Technological innovation
- Institutional coordination
He further highlighted that the training modules—including weapons handling, field craft, IED awareness, and intelligence coordination—were deliberately structured to prepare the task force for evolving security threats.
Pivotal Moment in Anti-Galamsey War
The Minister described the Field Task Force training as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s anti-galamsey strategy, signaling not only the scaling up of enforcement but also the government’s commitment to sustainable reforms in the mining sector.
“With this new force, we are ensuring that our environment, water bodies, and forest reserves are secured for future generations,” Mr. Buah concluded.
