Keep supporting government in the fight against galamsey — Muntaka to Ghanaians
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has called on Ghanaians to continue supporting government efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, the destructive activities of illegal miners continue to pose a significant threat to the country's environment, water bodies, farmlands and the livelihoods of citizens.
His call follows the presentation of a number of illegal firearms seized during anti-galamsey operations by the first batch of personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to the Ministry of the Interior.
In a social media post on Friday, June 12, Muntaka Mubarak said he had commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the NAIMOS team for their commitment to tackling illegal mining.
He noted that the seized firearms had subsequently been handed over to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for documentation, marking and destruction in accordance with the law.
The Interior Minister also assured the public that equipment confiscated during anti-galamsey operations would be handled transparently.
"I called on the good people of Ghana, especially communities affected by illegal mining activities, to continue supporting the government and NAIMOS in the fight against galamsey. Illegal mining poses a serious threat to our environment, water bodies, farmlands, and the health and livelihoods of our people," he said.
He also urged newly deployed NAIMOS personnel to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity and dedication, stressing that public trust would be crucial to the success of the operations.
The Minister expressed confidence that with collective effort and sustained commitment, the country can overcome the challenge of illegal mining and protect its natural resources for future generations.
Meanwhile, NAIMOS on Thursday, underwent a leadership change with Colonel K. S. Appiah taking over from Colonel Dominic Buah, as its Director of Operations.
Taking over the role, Colonel Appiah pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and intensify efforts to protect the country's natural resources.