NAIMOS moves to tackle reported illegal mining activities in Atewa Forest

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has pledged swift action over reports of illegal mining and encroachment in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, assuring the public that concerns raised about the protected area are being treated with urgency.

The assurance follows growing public concern and media reports about alleged illegal mining activities within the forest reserve, one of Ghana’s most important ecological zones.

Environmental groups, including A Rocha Ghana, also raised alarm over the state of the reserve during a joint press conference held on September 14.

In a statement issued on September 15, NAIMOS said it was fully aware of the reports and had already begun assessing the situation on the ground.

The Secretariat emphasized that protecting forest reserves, water bodies and environmentally sensitive areas remains a key priority in the national campaign against illegal mining.

“Given that the Secretariat considers the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves, water sources and ecologically sensitive areas as critical in the fight against illegal mining, all reports in connection with the Atewa Range Forest Reserve are receiving necessary and urgent attention,” the statement said.

NAIMOS revealed that reconnaissance operations have already been conducted within the enclave as part of efforts to verify reports and gather intelligence.

According to the Secretariat, it is working closely with security agencies and other state institutions to determine the most effective intervention strategy. It said any operation undertaken in the reserve would be based on verified intelligence and detailed operational assessments to ensure maximum impact.

“Having already conducted reconnaissance operations within the enclave, NAIMOS is currently collaborating with relevant security and state agencies to take decisive action within the reserve,” the statement noted.

The Secretariat further assured Ghanaians that the concerns raised by environmental groups, community members and the wider public would not be ignored.

It reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing illegal mining activities from destroying critical ecosystems, polluting water sources and threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.

NAIMOS also acknowledged the role played by civil society organisations, traditional leaders and residents in drawing attention to activities that threaten the environment.

“The Secretariat appreciates the vigilance of Civil Society Organisations, traditional authorities, communities and members of the public and encourages the continued provision of credible information to support the national fight against illegal mining,” the statement added.