Accra:The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has embarked on a new initiative to engage communities affected by illegal mining as part of its intensified efforts to combat galamsey.
According to Ghana Web, the initiative aims to involve traditional authorities, local government officials, opinion leaders, and residents in addressing illegal mining and its detrimental effects on the environment and livelihoods. NAIMOS issued a statement emphasizing that these engagements are intended to build public confidence, address local concerns, and enhance intelligence sharing to support ongoing operations against illegal mining.
The Secretariat clarified that the community engagement exercise is complementary to, and not a replacement for, its enforcement efforts. The approach is spearheaded by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for a comprehensive strategy to tackle illegal mining. NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel K S Appiah, is leading the initiative, working closely with traditional authorities and opinion leaders in selected communities.
The community engagements are designed to encourage residents to take greater responsibility in addressing illegal mining issues while assisting authorities in understanding local concerns. NAIMOS reiterated its commitment to maintaining firm enforcement actions and strengthening partnerships with communities and relevant institutions to achieve a coordinated response to illegal mining across the nation.
The initiative is part of broader government efforts to address the ongoing challenges of illegal mining, which continue to pose significant threats to the environment and livelihoods. However, the Secretariat has not disclosed the specific communities involved in the initial engagements or the duration of the exercise.