NAIMOS uncovers illegal mining activities in forest reserve as miners allegedly implicate forest guards

Officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have uncovered extensive illegal mining activities within a forest reserve during an operation targeting unauthorised mining.

The officers reportedly encountered a group of miners operating in the protected forest area without the necessary authorisation.

During their confrontation with the miners, the individuals allegedly claimed that they had been granted permission to enter and undertake mining activities in the reserve by some forest guards.

The revelation has raised serious concerns about the possible involvement of individuals entrusted with protecting the country's forest reserves in activities that threaten the environment.

Forest reserves are protected areas intended to preserve biodiversity, safeguard water bodies and maintain ecological balance. However, illegal mining activities continue to pose significant threats to these natural resources through deforestation, land degradation and water pollution.

NAIMOS continues to play a critical role in Ghana's fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, through operations aimed at protecting the country's natural resources and restoring degraded environments.