The fight against illegal mining is entering what Sammy Gyamfi calls “phase two,” with a targeted focus on water bodies and forest reserves.
The NDC’s Communications Officer credited the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NUMOS) for ushering in a coordinated response.
“For a long time, I had people like Erasmus Sasaridonko lamenting the inaction of the Dampar-led Ghana Police Service in the galamsey fight.
“Now, for the first time in history, this government has supported the Ghana Police Service to wage a nationwide fight against illegal mining, in a sustained way,” Gyamfi said Speaking during a panel discussion on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show monitored by MyNewsGh.
According to him, nine forest reserves that were “completely devastated and decimated” have been reclaimed, including the Jimira Forest Reserve, the Tunnel Offein, and Boyne River areas. “We have cleared them, and I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures,” he told host Kojo Yankson.
He explained that what began as a temporary police task force has now been folded into NUMOS, a central body coordinating the police, military, navy, immigration, and intelligence services. This integration, he said, was deliberate.
“The police alone cannot fight illegal mining. When you’re dealing with a menace involving a lot of foreigners, you need immigration in there. You need NIB to help with investigations and evidence gathering.”
Gyampi insisted the withdrawal of the police task force should not be misinterpreted as a lack of commitment.
“It was a change of strategy,” he clarified, pointing out that naval units have been instrumental in operations along the Ancobra River, where illegal miners and equipment have been cleared.
He also drew attention to the recruitment of “blue water guards” to protect water bodies. “Look at the role they have played in the Zema area. We are clearing all the galamsey operators from there,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Gyamfi concluded that Ghana’s fight against galamsey is no longer business as usual. “This is not the same galamsey situation we had in our country last year. Something drastic is being done.”
