The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has raised serious concerns regarding the role of local government officials in undermining efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey.’ According to Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the spokesperson for NAIMOS, there are alarming instances where illegal miners manage to escape from sites before government operatives can intervene.
In a recent interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight, Schandorf stated that the leaks of sensitive information from District Chief Executives (DCEs) and assembly members to illegal miners are a significant hindrance to anti-galamsey operations. He noted that in many cases, these local officials alert miners about impending raids, allowing them to vacate the area before enforcement teams arrive.
“We have documented numerous occasions where our operations did not result in arrests, primarily due to political figures in the locality notifying miners about forthcoming police actions,” Schandorf explained. He highlighted the troubling trend of politically connected individuals receiving advanced warnings, thus compromising the effectiveness of their operations.
To combat this issue, NAIMOS is implementing a new strategy that focuses on decentralizing anti-galamsey efforts. This approach aims to hold local government officials accountable for any breaches of confidential information. Schandorf emphasized that security briefings should remain confidential and should not be disseminated beyond the relevant authorities.
“The expectation is that this information remains within the confines of local government offices to protect state interests. Unfortunately, some individuals are either leaking or selling this information,” he stated. Schandorf also indicated that due to the seriousness of the situation, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has initiated a comprehensive investigation into these breaches, targeting the origins of these leaks.
“The minister has mandated a thorough review of operations across the affected areas by the end of the first quarter, as local authorities are believed to be at the core of this problem,” Schandorf added. He reiterated that operations are typically conducted based on intelligence and are kept confidential, but the trust necessary for these operations has been compromised.
Moving forward, the minister has emphasized the need for stricter oversight at the local level, supported by a detailed plan aimed at addressing these challenges effectively.
