The Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Ing Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged the government to provide the National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Small-Scale Mining (NAIMOS) with sufficient resources to tackle the persistent threat of illegal mining across Ghana.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, March 30, he bemoaned the ongoing canker.
Although Mr Ashigbey acknowledged NAIMOS’s efforts, including the seizure of 94 excavators, destruction of over 3,000 changfans, and the arrest of more than 200 individuals, many of them Chinese nationals, he says more needs to be done.
“While these actions are commendable, the scale of illegal mining remains massive,” Ashigbey said. “With over 7,000 small-scale excavators in operation, seizing just 94 is a drop in the ocean. NAIMOS needs more resources to deploy effectively to the 22 hotspots identified nationwide.”
He noted that areas such as Obuasi and Duaso continue to witness illegal mining in rivers, forests, and along roadsides, highlighting the urgent need for local authorities, including District and Municipal Chief Executives, to enforce regulations.
Mr Ashigbey warned of the environmental consequences, with over 50 forests under threat and waterways being destroyed.
He called on the Minister of Finance and the President to prioritise funding and support for NAIMOS, stressing that the fight against galamsey is critical for protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
“Without adequate resources, NAIMOS cannot succeed, and the destruction of our forests and water bodies will continue unabated,” he noted.
ALSO READ:
