The Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Dominic Buah, has expressed concern over the growing involvement of minors in illegal mining, describing it as a troubling trend that requires urgent intervention.
Speaking at the Secretariat’s Editors’ Forum and quarterly press briefing on March 25, Col. Buah revealed that authorities have identified children actively participating in galamsey activities.
“We have observed the issue of children in the space. They are minors, and that is a major concern for us,” he said.
He noted that the matter has been referred to relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare, to ensure appropriate care and intervention for the affected children.
According to him, the cases identified likely represent only a fraction of a wider problem. “This is a trend. These are not the only ones; we are dealing with just those we were able to apprehend,” he added.
On enforcement efforts, Col. Buah disclosed that several high-profile illegal mining operators have been arrested, with intelligence gathered to support further action against others.
He explained that NAIMOS’ core mandate remains operational, focusing on clearing illegal miners from water bodies, forest reserves, and major road corridors.
“Our priority is to remove them from these areas and restore order,” he said.
Col. Buah also outlined procedures for handling suspects. Foreign nationals arrested during operations are handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service, while Ghanaian suspects are transferred to the police and the Attorney-General’s Department for prosecution.
He reaffirmed NAIMOS’ commitment to sustaining the crackdown on illegal mining and restoring degraded lands and water bodies across the country.
