Armed illegal miners are posing a growing national security threat, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has warned, as authorities intensify operations to clamp down on unlawful mining activities across the country.
Speaking at an editors’ forum on Wednesday, March 25, the Secretary of NAIMOS, Col. Dominic Buah, cautioned individuals involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, against engaging in violent confrontations with task force operatives.
His comments come amid increasing resistance faced by enforcement teams in some mining communities, raising concerns about the safety of personnel deployed to enforce anti-illegal mining laws.
“We will not stand and watch anyone use weapons against us. We are better trained in weapons and therefore warn that anybody who dares, NAIMOS will deal with them ruthlessly,
He stressed that operatives are well-trained and adequately equipped to defend themselves if provoked.
“It is a problem we are trying to address and we have the right to self-defence. Let no galamseyer miss that. If you go to the field with weapons and you try to fire it, a lot more will be at you,” he added.
Illegal mining has long been identified as a major environmental and economic challenge in Ghana, but officials say the growing presence of armed groups at mining sites now elevates the issue to a serious national security concern.
Mr Buah also addressed public concerns over the handling of excavators and weapons seized during anti-galamsey operations. He assured that all confiscated equipment remains fully accounted for and under strict control.
According to him, the excavators have been secured at designated locations pending further directives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which will determine their eventual disposal in line with government policy and legal procedures.
“Every excavator seized by NAIMOS is intact, and the Ministry of Lands will render an account, and the government will take a decision on what to do, but NAIMOS has them safely at various locations,” he said.
He added that seized weapons have also been documented in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons to ensure transparency and proper disposal.
The secretariat reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law while safeguarding the lives of its personnel and called on illegal miners to desist from violent resistance.
