The National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) announced on Tuesday that it will broaden its river protection efforts to include the Tano and Pra rivers before the end of 2026. The expansion follows a successful campaign that began on the River Birim and later reached the Ankobra, under the umbrella of Operation Water Shield.
Colonel S.K. Appiah, NAIMOS Director of Operations, outlined the plan during a Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Progress Series briefing. He explained that the next phase, dubbed Operation Green Shield, will target illegal mining within the Atiwa Forest Reserve while simultaneously deploying a dedicated riverine unit in partnership with the Ghana Navy.
During the briefing, Col. Appiah reported that hundreds of suspected illegal miners were arrested between 13 June and 30 September 2026. The detainees were handed over to the police and other relevant authorities; some are now in court, others on remand, and a few have been granted bail.
NAIMOS also seized more than 100 excavators during the period. The machines were secured at designated holding areas across the regions, with chassis numbers and GPS coordinates logged to support legal proceedings for state confiscation.
Addressing concerns about sustaining gains after NAIMOS withdraws, the colonel said the military cannot remain permanently in every hotspot. Instead, the strategy is to clear and stabilise illegal mining sites before handing over routine monitoring to the Forestry Commission, local communities, and other security institutions.
The Secretariat is also bolstering cooperation with Blue Water Guards and intelligence agencies to enhance information sharing and coordination of enforcement actions.
Col. Appiah reaffirmed NAIMOS’s commitment to a carefully sequenced approach that aims for lasting results rather than temporary interventions that could allow illegal miners to return once enforcement teams move on.
What to watch next: NAIMOS will begin operations on the Tano and Pra rivers early next month, with plans to deploy the riverine unit by December. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will monitor the impact of these interventions on local communities and the environment.
