Former JoyNews anchor and current Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) member, Paa Kwesi Schandorf has praised the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah adopting a more strategic, covert approach in the fight against illegal mining.
Speaking in an interview on Woezor TV monitored by MyNewsGh, Schandorf highlighted how recent operations targeting illegal miners—commonly known as “galamsey” operators—have become more effective due to their secrecy and lack of prior publicity.
“The good thing about that intervention, or the remarkable layer of that particular swoop, was the fact that it was unannounced,” Schandorf noted.
“Previously, these task forces were often tipped off, making it easy for illegal miners to escape before any action could be taken.”
He pointed out that, in the past, leaked intelligence often compromised such operations.
However, with the new strategy led by the Minister, surprise raids have become the norm.
“If you are an illegal miner and you are watching us this morning, we will come for you—like a thief in the night,” he warned.
According to Schandorf, this new approach reflects the Minister’s wisdom and understanding of the terrain.
He emphasized that there is no need for fanfare or media attention when lives, water bodies, and forest reserves are being destroyed.
“There’s no need for publications, no need for lights and cameras. While you are in the midst of the illegality, we will catch you red-handed. Right in the middle of the act.”
