The Government of Ghana has officially inaugurated the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) — a centralised, intelligence-led command structure established to coordinate and intensify the nationwide fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The landmark initiative was launched by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources,  Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in collaboration with the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and the Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Accra, brought together key stakeholders, including agency heads, security commanders, and traditional leaders — all unified in their commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources from the ravages of illegal mining.

NAIMOS is designed to address long-standing coordination challenges in Ghana’s anti-galamsey efforts.

By integrating resources and intelligence from the Ministries of Interior and Defence, the National Security Secretariat, the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Investigations Bureau, the Secretariat will serve as the central hub for strategy, enforcement, and monitoring.

 Armah-Kofi Buah underscored the urgent need for such a body, noting that 16% of Ghana’s land reserves have already been degraded due to illegal mining activities.

“NAIMOS will provide the focused leadership and coordination needed to win this fight,” he said. “I pledge my full support to the Secretariat’s operations — without fear or favour — in our collective mission to eradicate galamsey.”

The Secretariat has been tasked with:

Coordinating all state security and agency operations on illegal mining

Designing and executing field strategies and tactical interventions

Enforcing mining and environmental laws in partnership with relevant institutions

Engaging traditional leaders and local communities to promote inclusive, long-term solutions

Collaborating with the National Security Secretariat for strategic alignment

Providing regular updates to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on operational progress and emerging trends

NAIMOS will also prioritise the use of credible data and intelligence to guide its interventions, ensuring precision in operations and avoiding arbitrary or politically motivated actions.

The Interior Minister,  Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, pledged his Ministry’s full operational backing for the Secretariat and commended the multi-agency collaboration behind its creation.

Representing the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi reaffirmed the military’s critical role in NAIMOS-led missions, particularly in reclaiming degraded forests and restoring polluted rivers.

He added that the initiative has the full endorsement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama.

Even ahead of its formal launch, NAIMOS-led operations have made significant inroads. Coordinated raids in the Eastern, Ashanti, Western, Central, and Western North regions have led to the seizure of over 50 excavators, 3 bulldozers, a van, generators, and other mining equipment, as well as multiple arrests of illegal mining operators.

With strong institutional backing and a coordinated structure in place, NAIMOS is poised to become the cornerstone of Ghana’s renewed anti-galamsey drive — one that blends enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable development.