NAIMOS, Amenfi West MP agree to strengthen collaboration against illegal mining

The Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K. S. Appiah, has held discussions with the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, Hon. Dr Eric Afful, on measures to strengthen stakeholder collaboration in the fight against illegal mining.

The meeting, held on Saturday, October 31, focused on the environmental, security and socio-economic impacts of illegal mining in Amenfi West and the wider Western Region.

Discussions centred on practical ways to deepen cooperation among NAIMOS, political leaders, traditional authorities and local communities to address the menace.

Colonel Appiah briefed the MP on ongoing NAIMOS operations in the region, including recent interventions targeting illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River corridor and in surrounding communities.

He reiterated that rivers, forest reserves and areas around critical public infrastructure remain strict no-go zones for illegal mining.

The Director of Operations further explained that NAIMOS was moving away from temporary enforcement raids towards a more sustained clear, stabilise, monitor and handover approach, supported by enhanced riverine operations in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.

He said the strategy was intended to prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared areas after enforcement teams had withdrawn.

Colonel Appiah also stressed the importance of depoliticising the fight against illegal mining, appealing to political, traditional and community leaders not to intervene on behalf of arrested suspects or seek the release of equipment seized during enforcement operations.

The discussions also highlighted the destruction of cocoa farms, roads, water bodies and other local infrastructure by illegal mining, as well as the need to create pathways for miners to transition into lawful and environmentally responsible operations.

For his part, Hon. Dr Eric Afful welcomed the engagement and expressed his support for sustained efforts to combat illegal mining.

He, however, emphasised the need to establish lawful mining opportunities for people whose livelihoods depend on the sector.

The MP also pledged his readiness to support legislative and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining, protecting water bodies and farmland, and strengthening accountability in the mining sector.

As Chair of Parliament's Economy and Development Committee and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Board of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Dr Afful said he was well positioned to contribute to broader policy discussions on development and environmental protection.

He further expressed his willingness to engage traditional leaders, community representatives and constituency structures to intensify public education and encourage residents to report illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities.

The MP also proposed that NAIMOS conduct entry and exit meetings with local stakeholders during enforcement operations. This, he said, would allow local security structures to monitor cleared areas and help prevent illegal miners from returning.

Both sides agreed that achieving lasting progress in the fight against illegal mining would require decisive enforcement, stronger legislation, community cooperation, responsible mining practices and sustained public education.

The NAIMOS delegation included the Secretariat's Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the area commander, a staff member of the Secretariat and its Police Liaison Officer.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to working with Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to protect Ghana's rivers, forests, farmland and public infrastructure while promoting legitimate and responsible mining.