The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has begun engaging communities affected by illegal mining as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against galamsey.

The initiative seeks to involve traditional authorities, local government officials, opinion leaders and residents in tackling illegal mining and its effects on the environment and livelihoods.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, NAIMOS said the engagements were aimed at building public confidence, addressing local concerns and improving intelligence sharing to support ongoing operations against illegal mining.

The Secretariat stressed that the community engagement exercise would not weaken its enforcement efforts.

“This engagement programme does not replace ongoing enforcement operations but rather forms part of a broader, coordinated and complementary approach adopted by the sector minister,” the statement said.

The approach is being pursued by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of developing a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal mining.

NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel K S Appiah, is leading the exercise alongside a team from the Secretariat. They are working with traditional authorities and opinion leaders in selected communities.

The engagements are expected to encourage residents to take greater responsibility in addressing illegal mining while helping authorities better understand concerns within affected areas.

NAIMOS said it remained committed to taking firm action against illegal mining while strengthening partnerships with communities and relevant institutions.

“NAIMOS remains committed to maintaining decisive enforcement action while deepening partnerships with communities and relevant institutions to achieve a coordinated and lasting response to illegal mining nationwide,” the statement added.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the government to tackle illegal mining, which continues to raise concerns over environmental degradation and its impact on livelihoods.

The Secretariat did not specify the communities selected for the initial engagements or indicate how long the exercise would last.

NA/VPO