NAIMOS Warns Armed Galamseyers of Firm Response to Attacks on Task Force

The Secretary of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Dominic Buah, has issued a strong warning to illegal miners engaging in armed resistance against anti-galamsey operatives, stating that authorities will not tolerate violent attacks on personnel deployed to enforce mining laws.

His remarks come amid intensified nationwide operations to clamp down on illegal mining activities, widely known as galamsey, which continue to pose significant environmental and security threats across several communities in Ghana.

Speaking at an editors’ forum on Wednesday, March 25, Mr. Buah stressed that members of the anti-illegal mining task force are well trained and adequately equipped to respond to threats in the line of duty.

“We will not stand and watch anyone use weapons against us. We are better trained in weapons and therefore warn that anybody who dares, NAIMOS will deal with them ruthlessly,” he cautioned.

According to him, the Secretariat remains committed to restoring order in mining areas and protecting personnel deployed to enforce the law. He emphasized that the task force reserves the right to defend itself if attacked during operations.

“It is a problem we are trying to address and we have the right to self defence and let no galamseyer miss that. If you go to the field with weapons and you try to fire it, a lot more will be at you,” he added.

The warning comes as enforcement teams increasingly face resistance in some illegal mining hotspots, raising concerns about the safety of officers and the need for stronger cooperation from affected communities.

Authorities say the ongoing operations form part of broader national efforts to protect Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands from the destructive impact of illegal mining activities while strengthening security in mining zones across the country.