The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve centre in Ghana’s intensified campaign against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking during a sectoral update on Wednesday, 23 July, the Minister said the new Secretariat forms part of a broader government strategy to combat the devastating effects of illegal small-scale mining on the country’s water bodies, forest reserves, and environment.

“To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the Ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” Mr Buah stated.

He explained that NAIMOS will function as a unified operational hub, integrating security, environmental, and legal interventions under a single coordinated framework to ensure greater efficiency and sustainability in anti-galamsey operations.

As part of its mandate, the Secretariat is also collaborating with key government agencies to monitor and control the influx of excavators and other heavy earth-moving equipment into the country — a major driver of illegal mining activities.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” the Minister disclosed.

The move underscores government’s renewed commitment to confronting illegal mining through institutional coordination, technology-driven surveillance, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.