NAIMOS, Amenfi West MP: Unveils New Illegal Mining Strategy

• NAIMOS and Amenfi West MP Dr Eric Afful met to strengthen collaboration against illegal mining in the Western Region.
• NAIMOS is shifting to a "clear, stabilise, monitor, and handover" strategy, supported by enhanced Ghana Navy riverine operations.
• The strategy emphasizes depoliticising illegal mining and appeals to leaders not to intervene for arrested suspects or seized equipment.
• Dr. Afful supports the efforts but stresses the need for lawful mining opportunities and proposed local stakeholder meetings during operations.
• Both parties agreed that lasting progress requires decisive enforcement, stronger legislation, community cooperation, responsible practices, and sustained public education.

A critical component of this strategy involves depoliticising illegal mining Ghana, with a direct appeal to leaders across all sectors to refrain from intervening on behalf of apprehended individuals or seeking the retrieval of confiscated equipment.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) recently engaged with the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, Dr Eric Afful, to bolster collaborative efforts against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The meeting, which took place on Saturday, October 31, centered on the profound environmental, security, and socio-economic consequences of these illicit activities within the Amenfi West constituency and the broader Western Region. Discussions aimed at forging deeper cooperation among NAIMOS, political figures, traditional leaders, and local communities to effectively tackle the persistent challenge.

Colonel K. S. Appiah, NAIMOS's Director of Operations, provided an update on the Secretariat's ongoing activities in the region. He specifically highlighted recent interventions targeting illegal mining operations along the Ankobra River corridor and within adjacent communities. Colonel Appiah unequivocally stated that rivers, designated forest reserves, and areas surrounding critical public infrastructure are strictly prohibited zones for any form of illegal mining.

NAIMOS is implementing a significant shift in its approach to Ghana galamsey enforcement, moving beyond sporadic raids to a more enduring and systematic strategy. Colonel Appiah articulated this new methodology as a "clear, stabilise, monitor, and handover" framework, designed to prevent the re-emergence of illegal miners in areas that have been cleared. This sustained effort is significantly bolstered by enhanced Ghana Navy riverine operations, ensuring continuous surveillance and enforcement along waterways.

A critical component of this strategy involves depoliticising illegal mining Ghana, with a direct appeal to leaders across all sectors to refrain from intervening on behalf of apprehended individuals or seeking the retrieval of confiscated equipment. The discussions also brought to light the extensive damage inflicted by illegal mining on vital infrastructure, including cocoa farms, roads, water bodies, and other local amenities. NAIMOS also recognized the necessity of establishing clear pathways for individuals currently engaged in illicit mining to transition into legitimate and environmentally sound operations.

Amenfi West MP Dr Eric Afful expressed strong support for the sustained efforts to combat illegal mining, acknowledging the importance of the engagement. He underscored the urgent need to create lawful mining opportunities for those whose livelihoods are currently dependent on the sector. Dr. Afful committed to backing legislative and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining practices, safeguarding water bodies and agricultural land, and enhancing accountability across the mining industry.

Given his influential roles as Chair of Parliament's Economy and Development Committee and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Board of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Dr. Afful is well-positioned to contribute to broader policy discussions concerning development and environmental protection. He further indicated his readiness to collaborate with traditional leaders, community representatives, and local constituency structures to intensify public awareness campaigns and encourage residents to report any illegal mining activities to the relevant authorities. The MP also proposed that NAIMOS implement entry and exit meetings with local stakeholders during enforcement operations, a measure he believes would empower local security structures to monitor cleared areas and deter the return of illegal miners.

Both NAIMOS and the Amenfi West MP Dr Eric Afful concurred that achieving enduring success in the battle against illegal mining necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This includes decisive enforcement actions, the implementation of stronger legislative frameworks, active community cooperation, adherence to responsible mining practices, and continuous public education. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in this meeting signals a concerted effort to address the complex challenges posed by illegal mining in the region.

Lawyers advising mining clients in Ghana, particularly in the Western Region, should note the intensified and sustained enforcement strategy by NAIMOS, including enhanced riverine operations and a push to depoliticize anti-galamsey efforts. This signals increased regulatory risk for non-compliant operations and potential new avenues for lawful mining transitions that clients may need guidance on.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com