The Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel Dominic Buah, has warned illegal miners that they would be dealt with ruthlessly if they dare shoot at any member of his taskforce.
Colonel Buah said many illegal miners have guns in their possession which they use to ward off attacks on their operations.
He noted that military officers have the right to self-defence, hence any attempt to shoot at them will be responded with equal measure.
“NAIMOS will not stand by for people to use weapons against us. Any illegal miner who attempts to shoot at us, will be dealt with ruthlessly. We have the right to self-defence,” he said at an editor’s forum held by his outfit in Accra on March 25.
Colonel Buah was responding to questions on when his taskforce will adopt a shoot to kill approach to fighting the galamsey menace.
“We apply rules governing the use of firearms, but we have right to self-defence, so if you attempt to shoot me, I will shoot you,” he stressed.
He disclosed that Chinese Ambassador to Ghana is alarmed by the number of Chinese in the country who are engaged in galamsey.
“They don’t pass through his hands. There is a syndicate that brings the Chinese into the country and send them straight to the bush, ” he stated.
Colonel Buah noted that NAIMOS is committed to ridding water bodies of galamsey activities.
“Our focus is on clearing the water bodies of galamsey. The situation has gone down drastically. We are not out of the woods yet, but a lot is being done,” he assured.
The Director of Operations advised any person desirous of venturing into mining to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development (rCOMSDEP).
“Opt for rCOMSDEP. They are offering numerous opportunities for responsible mining,” he stated.
He described illegal miners as “number one enemy of the state” and warned them to stop the damage being caused to the environment.
Colonoel Buah further announced the arrest of 237 individuals as part of NAIMOS’ ongoing nationwide operations against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, a significant number of those arrested are foreign nationals, pointing to the growing involvement of non-Ghanaians in illegal mining activities.
He said the arrests are part of intensified enforcement efforts across the country.
“We have made 237 arrests, the majority of them are foreigners,” he stated.
He revealed that the operations have recorded a success rate of 87.7 percent, which he described as a strong indication of progress in the fight against illegal mining.
Col. Buah also disclosed that the exercise has led to the seizure and destruction of several mining equipment, including 94 excavators and nearly 3,000 chanfang machines used in illegal operations.
“94 excavators have been destroyed so far… almost 3,000 chanfangs have been destroyed,” he disclosed.
He explained that in cases where authorities are unable to transport seized equipment, key components are removed to render them inoperable.
The NAIMOS official noted that these sustained actions are beginning to yield results, with a noticeable reduction in the use of excavators at illegal mining sites.
He added that many of the machines still found at such locations are often immobilised, signalling the impact of the ongoing crackdown.
“At the various galamsey sites, the use of excavators has gone down drastically… those you meet are often immobilised,” he added.
