NAIMOS Arrests Illegal Miners Osino, Destroys Galamsey Equipment

• The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested 12 suspected illegal miners and destroyed equipment during an operation in Osino, Eastern Region.
• This intervention occurred days after a previous operation at the same site, with miners found to have returned, highlighting the challenge of sustained enforcement.
• NAIMOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf emphasized the need for permanent security deployments and increased local enforcement to combat the recurrence of illegal mining.
• The government plans to invest more resources into permanent deployment strategies to prevent illegal miners from re-establishing operations on cleared sites.
• A 15-year-old from Navrongo, identified as Bernard, was among those arrested, stating he was brought to the site to earn money for his education.

The recent NAIMOS arrests of illegal miners in Osino, coupled with the destruction of their equipment, underscore a resolute commitment by the Ghanaian government to intensify its Ghana mining law enforcement efforts against galamsey.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) recently conducted a significant operation in Osino, located in Ghana's Eastern Region, leading to the apprehension of 12 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities. During the enforcement action, the task force also systematically destroyed mining equipment discovered at the illicit site. This intervention forms a crucial part of the Ghanaian government's ongoing and intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, which continues to pose severe threats to both local communities and the environment.

Notably, this specific NAIMOS operation in Osino occurred just days after a prior enforcement exercise at the very same location. Officials from NAIMOS reported that upon their return, they found illegal miners had already re-established operations at the site, underscoring the persistent challenges in curbing these activities. Some of the apprehended miners claimed it was their initial foray into the site, stating their motivation was to secure daily sustenance.

Among those detained was a 15-year-old, identified only as Bernard, who hails from Navrongo. Bernard disclosed that he had been brought to the site by another individual with the promise of earning money to support his education, having commenced work on the morning of the arrest. Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Spokesperson for NAIMOS, commented on September 25 to JoyNews' Stephen Mensah, highlighting that the rapid recurrence of illegal mining at the site demonstrates a critical need for a more enduring security presence in such hotspots.

The spokesperson for NAIMOS, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, further elaborated on the operational difficulties, noting that the task force had previously cleared the area of illegal miners just days before the latest arrests. He observed that the miners had reassembled their equipment and returned to the exact location from which they had been dislodged, indicating the inherent challenge of sustaining the gains achieved through intermittent operations. Schandorf pointed out that indications of the miners' presence had been observed four days prior to the recent intervention, reinforcing the pattern of rapid re-occupation.

This persistent return of illegal miners, according to Schandorf, provides strong justification for the government's strategic emphasis on maintaining permanent deployments in regions severely impacted by illicit mining. He affirmed that such sustained presence is considered a core component of the government's broader strategy to tackle galamsey. In response to these recurring challenges, NAIMOS has announced plans to allocate additional resources towards establishing and maintaining these permanent deployment arrangements, with the explicit aim of preventing illegal miners from re-establishing operations on sites that have been previously cleared.

Beyond national-level interventions, the NAIMOS spokesperson also advocated for a significant strengthening of local enforcement mechanisms. Schandorf argued that communities equipped with police stations should possess the capability to respond swiftly and effectively to illegal mining activities, thereby reducing the sole reliance on national task forces. He emphasized that it should not necessitate NAIMOS traveling from its headquarters for every operation, suggesting that improved coordination between local security agencies and national enforcement teams is vital for a more sustainable and effective fight against galamsey.

Schandorf acknowledged the collaborative support received from various state entities, including the police and National Security, in their ongoing operations. However, he stressed the necessity for greater collective effort from all stakeholders, particularly residents within affected communities. He highlighted that while local intelligence remains a crucial element in these operations, communities often face internal divisions, as some residents directly benefit from illegal mining activities while others actively oppose them. Despite this, he confirmed that residents who stand against illegal mining continue to provide valuable information to authorities, aiding security agencies in their identification efforts.

The recent NAIMOS arrests of illegal miners in Osino, coupled with the destruction of their equipment, underscore a resolute commitment by the Ghanaian government to intensify its Ghana mining law enforcement efforts against galamsey. This development signals a strategic shift towards more sustained and permanent security presences in affected areas, moving beyond periodic interventions that have proven insufficient to deter persistent illegal operations. The environmental degradation and threats to community well-being caused by galamsey necessitate this robust approach, which is now being affirmed through increased resource allocation for permanent deployments.

For legal professionals advising entities within Ghana's mining sector, this intensified enforcement environment carries significant implications. The proactive measures taken by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, including the Osino illegal mining equipment destruction, indicate a heightened risk of enforcement actions, equipment seizures, and potential legal repercussions for non-compliant operations. Stakeholders should anticipate a continued focus on compliance protocols and operational security, as the government demonstrates its resolve to protect natural resources and uphold mining laws across the Eastern Region galamsey operations and beyond.

This development signals an intensified and sustained government crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, particularly in areas like Osino. Lawyers advising mining companies or individuals involved in the sector should anticipate increased enforcement actions, potential equipment seizures, and a need to review compliance protocols and operational security to mitigate legal and financial risks.

Source: Original reporting via Carbonatix