The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has charged the incoming Director of Operations for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Col. S.A. Appiah and his team, to ensure Ghana’s polluted water bodies “become blue again.”

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of NAIMOS 1, Mr. Buah admonished the new Operations Director to strengthen intelligence gathering and embrace innovation to make their task easier.

According to him, Ghanaians have full confidence in NAIMOS, which is why they have been entrusted to safeguard river bodies and protect forest reserves. He urged them to deal decisively with persons determined to destroy rivers and forests through illegal mining.

The Minister assured NAIMOS of President John Mahama’s commitment to supporting the unit with logistics to conquer the activities of illegal miners. He also conveyed the President’s gratitude for the sacrifice and commitment of NAIMOS personnel who defend the country at the expense of time with their loved ones.

New Ops Director Pledges Results
Col. S.A. Appiah thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in him to lead NAIMOS Operations. He also commended his predecessor, Col. Dominic Buah, for his dedication during his tenure.

“The destruction of our forests, pollution of our rivers, and degradation of our lands continue to pose existential threats not only for the present generation but also for those yet unborn,” he stated.

Col. Appiah assured Ghanaians of his commitment to strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing interagency cooperation, improving intelligence-led operations, and ensuring that NAIMOS actions produce measurable results in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

He added that NAIMOS will work closely with all stakeholders, including local communities, traditional authorities, regulatory agencies, and development partners, stressing that “the fight against illegal mining cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone.”

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region