The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has accused some chiefs and politicians of persistently interfering in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), describing the interference as one of the biggest challenges facing the taskforce.
Deputy Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Satekla, raised the concern on Sunday, December 7, during a stakeholder meeting with 14 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and two Regional Police Commanders in Sekondi, Western Region.
“Every institution has challenges, and we are no exception. One of our key challenges is interference from influential people. We encounter this from politicians, chiefs, and other stakeholders in areas where we operate, and it is a big problem that must be addressed,” Lt. Col. Satekla stated.
He emphasised that effective enforcement in galamsey hotspots and the maintenance of “no-go” zones depend heavily on full cooperation from local authorities, but such support is often compromised.
Lt. Col. Satekla also identified inadequate logistics as another major setback.
Western Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Nelson, reaffirmed government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to eradicate illegal mining and called on all MMDCEs to fully support the President’s renewed efforts to end the menace.