The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has commenced a week-long orientation training for personnel ahead of their deployment to illegal mining flashpoints across the country.

The exercise, which began yesterday, 22nd September 2025, is being held at the Armour Training School (ATS) in Sunyani.

The training brings together over 280 personnel drawn from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, National Investigation Bureau (NIB), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and civilian intelligence staff.

According to NAIMOS officials, the programme is designed to:

Harmonise and upgrade the skills of the Field Task Force (FTF).

Align members from varied organisations with NAIMOS’ mandate, code of conduct, and operational procedures.

Foster teamwork and working relationships among task force members.

Identify credible leaders to head deployed teams across illegal mining hotspots.

The first day of training was led by the NAIMOS Director of Operations, who briefed participants on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ five-pronged strategy to combat galamsey, as well as NAIMOS’ organisational structure and deployment plan.

Participants also received orientation on:

Handling of personal weapons.

Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Field craft and operational tactics used by illegal miners.

Health and safety protocols during operations.

The programme, which runs until Friday, 26th September 2025, will feature engagements with key stakeholders, including:

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

The Bono Regional Minister.

Representatives from the Minerals Commission, Lands Commission, Forestry Commission, Ghana Police Service, Immigration Service, NIB, and NACOC.

Civil society representatives such as Dr. Ken Ashigbey of the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining and Mr. Daryl Bossu of A Rocha Ghana.

The Ghana Small-Scale Miners Association.

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

NAIMOS has indicated that the training remains open to additional experts and organisations willing to contribute to equipping the task force for the national fight against galamsey.