The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has warned that interference from influential individuals, including traditional leaders and political actors, is undermining Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
Deputy Director of Operations Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Satekla said the secretariat remains committed to curbing galamsey, but enforcement efforts are often obstructed.
The meeting brought together 14 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from the Western Region alongside two Regional Police Commanders.
“Every institution faces challenges, and we are no different. A major challenge we contend with is interference from influential people.
“We experience this from political leaders, chiefs, and other stakeholders in the communities where we operate, and it remains a serious issue that must be tackled.
“Logistics constraints also pose significant difficulties,” Lt. Col. Satekla explained at a stakeholder engagement in Sekondi on Sunday, December 7.
He emphasized that illegal mining hotspots require strong enforcement supported by full cooperation from local authorities to sustain designated “no-go” zones.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate illegal mining, urging all MMDCEs to back President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed efforts against galamsey.
