The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified efforts to address the environmental impact of illegal mining through strategic partnerships and resource recovery initiatives.
Director of Operations, Dominic Buah, disclosed that the Secretariat is collaborating with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation to remove scrap metal from polluted water bodies.
According to him, the exercise is already underway along the Ankobra River, where teams are clearing remnants of destroyed mining equipment, particularly metal parts from changfans.
He explained that the operation is being carried out systematically, with teams moving from one affected water body to another to collect and recycle scrap materials for productive use.
Beyond environmental cleanup, NAIMOS is also redirecting confiscated equipment into sectors that support national development. Pumping machines retrieved from illegal mining sites are being handed over through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for use by farmers.
Col. Buah stressed that the goal is to ensure such equipment is put to legitimate use rather than finding its way back into illegal mining activities.
He added that vehicles seized during operations are also being integrated into official use after completing the necessary legal procedures, particularly with clearance from the Attorney General’s Department.
Meanwhile, the Director of Operations raised concerns over growing security threats linked to illegal mining. He revealed that at least 59 weapons have been confiscated from illegal miners, describing the situation as a serious risk to national security.
He further recounted a recent incident in which a soldier was shot during an operation, noting that the officer survived after the bullet struck his tie instead of causing a fatal injury.
Col. Buah reaffirmed NAIMOS’ commitment to tackling illegal mining, emphasizing that the Secretariat will continue to adapt its strategies to address both environmental damage and emerging security challenges.
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