The Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K. S. Appiah, has engaged the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, Dr Eric Afful, in discussions aimed at strengthening stakeholder collaboration in the fight against illegal mining.
The meeting, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, focused on the environmental, security and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining in Amenfi West and the wider Western Region.
The engagement also explored practical measures to improve cooperation among NAIMOS, political leaders, traditional authorities and local communities to ensure a more coordinated and sustained response to illegal mining.
During the meeting, Colonel Appiah briefed the MP on ongoing NAIMOS operations in the region, highlighting recent interventions to curb illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River corridor and surrounding communities.
He reiterated that rivers, forest reserves and areas surrounding critical public infrastructure remain strictly prohibited zones for mining activities.
Colonel Appiah further disclosed that NAIMOS was moving away from temporary enforcement raids towards a more sustained Clear, Stabilise, Monitor and Handover approach, supported by enhanced riverine operations in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
According to him, the strategy is designed to prevent illegal miners from returning to areas cleared by enforcement teams after their withdrawal.
He also called for the fight against illegal mining to be depoliticised, urging political, traditional and community leaders to refrain from interfering in enforcement activities, particularly by seeking the release of arrested suspects or equipment seized during operations.
The discussions also highlighted the extensive destruction of cocoa farms, roads, water bodies and other local infrastructure caused by illegal mining. Both parties acknowledged the need to encourage miners to adopt lawful and environmentally responsible mining practices.
For his part, Dr Eric Afful welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed his support for sustained efforts to combat illegal mining.
He, however, stressed the importance of creating lawful and sustainable livelihood opportunities for people who depend on mining for their survival.
The MP also expressed his readiness to support legislative and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining, protecting water bodies and farmlands, and strengthening accountability within the mining sector.
As Chairman 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 noted that he was well positioned to contribute to broader policy discussions on sustainable development and environmental protection.
He further pledged to work with traditional authorities, community representatives and constituency structures to intensify public education and encourage residents to report illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities.
Dr Afful also recommended that NAIMOS introduce entry and exit meetings before and after enforcement operations. He explained that the approach would enable local security structures to monitor cleared areas and prevent illegal miners from returning.
Both parties agreed that achieving lasting results in the fight against illegal mining would require a combination of firm enforcement, stronger legislation, community participation, responsible mining practices and sustained public education.
The NAIMOS delegation included the Secretariat’s Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the NAIMOS Commander for the area, a staff member of the Secretariat and the Secretariat’s Police Liaison Officer.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Members of Parliament and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s rivers, forests, farmlands and public infrastructure while promoting legitimate and environmentally responsible mining activities.
