The war against illegal mining began a new chapter on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, when the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) performed a handover ceremony as part of a routine strategic rotation aimed at increasing operational efficiency.
Speaking to the audience, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, said that the shift involved much more than just moving offices, equipment, and operating duties. He claimed that a national mandate to safeguard Ghana’s rivers, forests, mineral wealth, and eventually the nation’s destiny was being transferred.
According to Hon. Buah, illegal mining had developed into a highly organised, mobile, and well-funded menace that put tremendous strain on forest reserves, water bodies, and public trust by the time the current administration took office.
Despite these obstacles, the Minister said that considerable progress had been accomplished, attributing the achievement to President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership and the commitment of officers who put their lives in danger to protect the country’s natural riches.
The Minister praised the sacrifices and dedication of the departing NAIMOS team, led by Colonel Dominic Buah, in building a strong basis for the nation’s anti-galamsey campaign.
In order to maintain the progress accomplished thus far, he advised the new team, led by Colonel S.K. Appiah, to enhance intelligence collection, welcome innovation, maintain integrity, and keep cooperating.
Colonel Dominic Buah, the departing Director of Operations, reminisced in his parting speech on what he called a difficult but fruitful year since taking office in June 2025. He emphasised the accomplishments made while he was in charge.
He stated that the actions had helped some degraded water bodies and forest reserves gradually recover and had severely hampered illegal mining networks.
Source: newsthemegh.com