The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced that all forest reserves and river bodies have been declared security zones to protect them from illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a week-long training for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in Sunyani on Friday, September 26, 2025, Mr. Buah said the government will protect these areas “at all costs.”
He commended NAIMOS for its achievements since its establishment in June this year, which include the arrest of over 1,000 illegal miners, the repossession of nine forest reserves, and the seizure of more than 900 water pumping machines. The seized equipment, he noted, has been redirected to the Ministry of Agriculture to support irrigation for farmers.
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories, victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” the minister stated.
Mr. Buah emphasised that the fight against illegal mining is far from over and urged the task force to remain resolute. He explained that the training brought together officers from the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, National Intelligence Bureau, and NACOC to operate as a united front.
Outlining the Ministry’s five-point strategy, strict enforcement, education, provision of alternative livelihoods, use of technology, and strong institutional coordination, he stressed that NAIMOS personnel are now better equipped to face emerging threats.
“You are the sharpened tip of the spear. Any person who enters these security zones illegally is not just a trespasser, but an enemy of the state, and must be dealt with firmly and ruthlessly,” he warned.