Eric Afful and NAIMOS partner to combat illegal mining in Amenfi West

Colonel K. S. Appiah, the Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Strategy (NAIMOS), and Dr. Eric Afful, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, have reached a formal agreement to strengthen collaboration against illegal mining. During a high-level meeting held to address the growing crisis, both leaders committed to a sustained strategy aimed at curbing the devastating effects of the activity within the Amenfi West constituency. This partnership marks a critical step in aligning national security operations with local representation to protect the region's natural resources and ensure long-term stability.

Colonel Appiah provided an extensive briefing on the ongoing operations managed by NAIMOS, outlining a new framework designed to move beyond temporary interventions. He emphasized that the new strategy focuses on preventing the recurrence of illegal mining in areas that have previously been cleared by security forces. This approach involves a combination of enhanced enforcement, rigorous legislative application, and consistent monitoring of affected sites. The discussions underscored the significant security, environmental, and socio-economic risks that illegal mining poses to the community, including the pollution of vital water bodies and the degradation of arable land.

In response, Hon. Dr. Eric Afful pledged his total support for the NAIMOS operations, noting that the fight against illegal mining requires the active participation of all stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of providing lawful and sustainable mining opportunities for the youth to discourage their involvement in illicit activities. Dr. Afful committed to mobilizing community support and working with traditional authorities to promote responsible mining practices that benefit the local economy. Both parties concluded that the success of these measures depends on a unified front between enforcement agencies and the people of Amenfi West to ensure a lasting solution to the menace.