Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a strong warning that any community that tries to attack or interfere with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat’s (NAIMOS) operations will face the full force of the military and police.
Following recent assaults on NAIMOS officials at Hwediem in the Ahafo Region, he issued this warning. The Minister claims that the government’s unshakeable commitment to putting an end to unlawful mining is demonstrated by the Joint Military–Police Taskforce’s prompt return to Ahafo to apprehend the offenders.
Mr. Kofi-Buah emphasised that the government will not be deterred in its battle against galamsey during a ceremony when 230 pumping machines that had been confiscated from illicit mining companies were given to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for distribution to farmers.
“The full force of the military and the police will be brought to bear on any community that attempts to attack or obstruct NAIMOS operations. No threats or intimidation will deter government from winning this fight,” he declared.
The Minister went on to say that the government has contributed GH₵150 million to support NAIMOS’s operations. He described this as a clear indication that the battle against illegal mining will continue and be ultimately successful.
After receiving the confiscated pumping devices, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo hailed the action as a positive start. According to him, redistributing the equipment to farmers will strengthen the state’s efforts to combat illicit mining while also promoting agricultural endeavours.
Source: newsthemegh.com