NAIMOS begins community engagements in galamsey-prone areas

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has begun a series of community engagements in illegal mining-prone areas as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and complement ongoing enforcement operations.

The initiative is aimed at building public confidence, addressing local concerns, improving intelligence sharing and encouraging collective responsibility in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, NAIMOS explained that the engagements would bring together traditional authorities, local government officials, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to address the environmental and livelihood challenges associated with illegal mining.

The Secretariat emphasised that the initiative would not replace ongoing enforcement operations but would complement existing measures to tackle the menace.

According to NAIMOS, the programme forms part of a broader and coordinated strategy being implemented by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in line with President John Dramani Mahama's vision of intensifying the fight against illegal mining.

The community engagements are being led by the Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel K. S. Appiah, alongside a team from the Secretariat, working closely with traditional authorities and opinion leaders in selected communities.

The Secretariat believes that strengthening cooperation with local communities will help improve intelligence gathering and promote a more sustainable approach to addressing illegal mining activities.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining decisive enforcement operations while deepening partnerships with communities and relevant institutions.

It stressed that sustained collaboration among stakeholders remains essential to achieving a coordinated and lasting solution to illegal mining across the country.