The Media Relations Officer of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has urged miners to cooperate with officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during enforcement operations to avoid possible confrontations.
He cautioned that miners who resort to shooting or attacking NAIMOS officers risk triggering retaliatory action, which could lead to serious consequences.
Speaking on GhanAkoma, hosted by Sir John on Akoma 87.9 FM, Mr Schandorf said miners must comply with instructions from the officers whenever they are engaged during operations.
“The miners should have to comply when they are engaged by the NAIMOS. When you start to shoot or attack and they retaliate, the outcome will not be something we will all like,” he warned.
Mr Schandorf also disclosed that NAIMOS will be embarking on operations against illegal mining activities in some areas outside Accra as part of ongoing efforts to intensify the fight against galamsey.
Although he declined to mention the specific locations for security reasons, he assured that the enforcement exercise would continue as authorities work to address the menace.
He, however, clarified that the government is not against mining activities but is concerned about the manner in which some operators carry out their operations.
“We are not against the operating of the galamsey but the way it is done is what has become worrisome,” he stated.
Mr Schandorf maintained that the fight against illegal mining would continue, stressing the need for miners to cooperate with enforcement officers to ensure the exercise is carried out without unnecessary confrontations.
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