Spokesperson for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has stated that personnel of the Secretariat will not go on a Christmas break, as operations to combat illegal mining continue across the country.
According to him, the fight against galamsey remains a priority and will not be paused during the festive season, unlike other institutions.
Speaking on Joy News as monitored by NewsDesksGH on December 23, Mr. Schandorf said NAIMOS is still maintaining a nationwide presence this holiday to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
“NAIMOS is still continuing with its operations across the length and breadth of the country.”
He explained that personnel have been directed to remain in affected communities throughout the Christmas period to ensure sustained enforcement.
“I’m sure you’ll be breaking for Christmas very soon. Unfortunately the personnel at NAIMOS will not embark on any such venture. They will still be in the communities ensuring that the menace of illegal mining is strongly dealt with.”
Paa Kwesi Schandorf further disclosed that NAIMOS will soon make a major announcement aimed at strengthening the anti-galamsey fight.
“That is the permanent deployment of military personnel to all the relevant flashpoints.”
He noted that deploying soldiers in a long-term capacity requires adequate financial support and incentives, adding that the necessary approvals have been secured.
“Thankfully we have that clearance from the Finance Ministry and so hopefully from the early start of next year you would see military personnel at all the relevant flashpoints.”
The permanent deployment, he said, is expected to enhance monitoring and enforcement at known illegal mining sites, as government intensifies efforts to protect water bodies and forest reserves.
