Government Declares Forest Reserves, Rivers ‘Security Zones
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared all forest reserves and river bodies in Ghana as Security Zones to be protected at all costs as part of government’s uncompromising crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey).
He made the announcement at the closing ceremony of a week-long intensive training programme for personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in Sunyani.
Major Gains So Far
The Minister praised NAIMOS for its successes since its establishment in June, including the arrest of more than 1,000 illegal miners, the repossession of nine forest reserves previously taken over by illegal operators, and the confiscation of over 900 water pumps — which have since been redirected to the Ministry of Agriculture for irrigation support.
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories; victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” Mr. Buah said.
Permanent Deployment in ‘Security Zones’
He described the training as a convergence of purpose, sharpening skills and strengthening cohesion among personnel drawn from the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
Outlining a five-pronged government strategy — strict enforcement, engagement and education, provision of alternative livelihoods, technological innovation, and institutional coordination — Mr. Buah warned that any recalcitrant entrants into the newly declared Security Zones would be treated as “enemies of the state.”
“You are the sharpened tip of the spear. Any recalcitrant entrant into these declared Security Zones is not merely a trespasser; they are an enemy of the state and are to be treated as such. You are to be firm, resolute, and ruthless against those who seek to profit from the destruction of our common heritage,” he charged.
The Minister confirmed that NAIMOS personnel will be permanently deployed in forest reserves and along river bodies to provide sustained protection against illegal mining.
‘We Cannot Fail’
He urged task force members to embody vigilance, integrity, and courage, stressing that the President and Ghanaians are relying on them to safeguard the nation’s environment for future generations.
“We cannot fail, and we will not fail,” he declared.
The NAIMOS training, which included weapons handling, intelligence coordination, and counter-IED awareness, marks a pivotal scale-up in government’s anti-galamsey strategy aimed at ensuring responsible and sustainable mining practices nationwide.
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
