NAIMOS to receive GH₵200m in 2027 budget to fight illegal mining

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is set to receive an allocation of GH₵200 million in the 2027 national budget to bolster the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama has assured the secretariat of this financial commitment to ensure the effective implementation of its operational strategies. The funding is intended to provide the necessary logistical and financial resources to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and vital water bodies from the destructive impacts of illegal mining.

According to the Ministry, the government has developed a comprehensive plan to empower NAIMOS, allowing the secretariat to conduct coordinated efforts across the country. This budgetary support is seen as a critical step in providing the agency with the capacity it needs to meet its operational mandates. Schandorf expressed confidence that the planned allocation would meet the secretariat's operational needs, enabling a more robust response to the ongoing environmental challenges posed by unauthorized mining activities.

Addressing the secretariat's operational approach, Schandorf clarified that NAIMOS is committed to law enforcement through lawful arrests rather than aggressive actions. However, he noted that while the secretariat’s priority is maintaining peace during its operations, its officers are prepared to take offensive measures if they face direct threats. The Ministry maintained that any response to hostility would be proportional and necessary to ensure the safety of the personnel on the ground.

The Sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has expressed his support for this operational stance, affirming the right of NAIMOS officers to self-defense when their safety is compromised. As the 2027 budget planning progresses, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources remains focused on ensuring that the secretariat has the sustained support required to protect the nation’s natural resources and uphold the rule of law in mining districts.