Col Dominic Buah, the Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), has begged for financial support in their operations against illegal mining (galamsey).
NAIMOS are calling for increased logistical and financial support to strengthen its anti-galamsey operations.
According to Col. Dominic Buah, NAIMOS’s work is constrained by limited resources, particularly operational vehicles.
They called on corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations to assist the Secretariat.
Speaking at an editors’ forum on Wednesday, March 25, Colonel Buah stated, “We need vehicles, we need money, we need all the resources”.
“Corporate bodies who want to support, why not? We will acknowledge you and then make it known to the whole nation,” he added.
Also, Colonel Dominic Buah announced that 237 illegal miners have been arrested in the ongoing galamsey fight.
According to NAIMOS, the majority of persons arrested are foreign nationals.
Colonel Dominic Buah stated, “We have made 237 arrests, the majority of them are foreigners,” he stated.
94 excavators have been destroyed so far… almost 3,000 chanfangs have been destroyed,” he revealed.
“In the field, when we do not have load beds, we remove vital components so that they cannot use the excavator again,” he said.
“At the various galamsey sites, the use of excavators has gone down drastically… those you meet are often immobilised,” he added.
“Every excavator seized by NAIMOS is intact, and the Ministry of Lands will render an account, and the government will take a decision on what to do, but NAIMOS has them safely at various locations.
“Seized weapons too are intact, and I have received letters from the Small Arms Commission and through the Ministry, these weapons will be documented and disposed of.”
Dominic Buah further issued a stern warning to illegal miners against engaging in violent confrontations with members of his anti-galamsey task force.
According to Dominic Buah, NAIMOS won’t tolerate armed attacks.
Colonel Buah stated, “We will not stand and watch anyone use weapons against us. We are better trained in weapons and therefore warn that anybody who dares, NAIMOS will deal with them ruthlessly.
“It is a problem we are trying to address, and we have the right to self-defence and let no galamseyer miss that. If you go to the field with weapons and you try to fire it, a lot more will be at you.”