The National Security has issued a stern warning to chiefs, politicians, and opinion leaders in the Eastern Region, urging them to stay clear of the activities of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as it launches its operations in the area.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, October 13, Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer Francis Annor Dompreh cautioned that any traditional leader or politician who attempts to intervene or plead on behalf of individuals arrested for illegal mining will face arrest and prosecution themselves.
“I keep emphasising, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat was put together by the President himself, and they report directly to the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The directive is clear: Let the waters be blue, clean, and drinkable, as they used to be. Let the forests be green again, at least,” he stated.
Mr. Annor Dompreh stressed that the authorities would not recognize any chief or influential figure seeking to shield illegal mining operations. “We don’t know any chief. We don’t know anybody. What we know is the order: Get out! That is why I’m making this press conference. If you know you are a chief or whoever, and you have machines on the rivers or in the forest, you should pack up and leave.”
He further warned that no matter the time of day, anyone attempting to intervene in anti-illegal mining activities would be dealt with decisively. “Don’t come here again, don’t go near there, because you are not going to be allowed. Whether you come in the morning, you come in the afternoon, you come in the night, you will be dealt with.”
Mr. Annor Dompreh reiterated that the directive from the Presidency is explicit and must be respected by everyone, regardless of their status in society.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), established under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is a special-purpose unit tasked with coordinating, monitoring, and leading intelligence-driven field operations against illegal mining (galamsey) activities across Ghana
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
