NAIMOS launches Operation Green Shield to combat galamsey in Atewa Forest

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has announced the commencement of 'Operation Green Shield,' a major military-led initiative designed to eradicate illegal mining within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Scheduled to begin in two weeks, the operation aims to restore the ecological integrity of this vital forest reserve, which is critical for regional environmental health and water security. The intervention comes as part of a broader government mandate to halt the environmental degradation caused by illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Col. Kwame Sam Appiah, representing NAIMOS, outlined a comprehensive three-stage strategy for the operation: disruption, stabilization, and transition. During the initial phase, specially trained military personnel will be deployed to disrupt and dismantle active illegal mining sites throughout the reserve. This will be followed by a stabilization period to prevent miners from returning to the cleared zones. Finally, the secretariat will manage a transition process to return full control and oversight of the forest back to the Forestry Commission.

Established on July 23, 2025, NAIMOS serves as the central coordinating hub for all operations against illegal mining in Ghana. The secretariat was launched with an initial funding allocation of GH‵150 million to ensure it has the resources necessary for sustained enforcement. Since it began field activities in June, the secretariat has already conducted several operations across the country, resulting in the seizure of mining equipment and the apprehension of multiple suspects involved in illicit activities.

The focus on the Atewa Range Forest Reserve underscores the government's commitment to protecting high-value ecological zones from total destruction. By deploying specialized military units and implementing a phased management plan, NAIMOS seeks to move beyond temporary raids toward a permanent solution for forest protection. The success of Operation Green Shield is viewed as a significant test of the secretariat's coordinated enforcement strategy and its ability to ensure the long-term recovery of Ghana's natural resources.