NAIMOS to introduce tougher measures against illegal sand winning

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it will work with the sector ministry to develop revised measures to immediately tackle illegal sand winning following an operation that exposed extensive environmental degradation in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

The latest crackdown uncovered widespread land destruction caused by unregulated sand extraction, raising concerns about the environmental consequences of the activities and their impact on nearby communities.

NAIMOS spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the Secretariat and the sector ministry would urgently review existing measures and introduce interventions to prevent further destruction.

Speaking on JoyNews, he described illegal sand winning as another threat to the country's already fragile environment, warning that Ghana could not afford another environmental crisis.

“So from here, NAIMOS must basically, and the sector ministry is going to quickly develop, revise plans to ensure that this is quickly and immediately and instantaneously dealt with because we cannot have another act of environmental terrorism on our hands,” he said.

“We simply cannot afford that. Already, as you rightly know, there is the menace of illegal mining that has ravaged the country. We are still working assiduously around the clock to redeem ourselves from the ravages. Therefore, we cannot entertain another demon,” he added.

The operation follows concerns raised by residents of Afienya over the continued activities of sand winners and the effects on their communities.

Some residents shared their concerns with JoyNews reporter Stephen Mensah during the latest enforcement exercise, highlighting the need for urgent intervention to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the Sege District Police Headquarters Commander, Daniel Dan Yaro, has called for closer collaboration between the Minerals Commission and security agencies to ensure effective enforcement against illegal sand extraction.

Speaking to JoyNews, he stressed the need for professionalism and proper coordination during enforcement operations to prevent excesses and ensure that all parties understand the reasons behind the exercise.

“Indeed, I would say we need to do things professionally to avoid excesses so that at least those who are in the forefront can also understand the basis for this enforcement. Nobody should be intimidated. And once we collaborate, we understand the basic principle of this activity,” he said.

He further urged the Minerals Commission to strengthen its cooperation with security agencies, saying a coordinated approach would help reduce illegal sand winning.

“So I want to reiterate that let's see the Minerals Commission collaborating effectively with the security agencies so that we can all together assist to ensure that we bring this activity of illegality to the barest minimum,” he added.

NAIMOS says the proposed revised measures are expected to strengthen efforts to address illegal sand extraction and prevent further environmental degradation.