The National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) announced today that it will launch a new forest protection operation, dubbed Operation Greenshield, beginning with the Atiwa Forest Reserve. The move is part of a wider effort to curb illegal mining activities that threaten Ghana’s watersheds and biodiversity.
Colonel K. S. Appiah, NAIMOS Director of Operations, explained that the operation will target priority areas, prevent miners from returning to cleared sites and establish a system for the long‑term protection of forest reserves. He outlined a three‑stage approach: first, clear and disrupt illegal mining activities; second, hold and stabilise the affected areas; and third, transition responsibility to the relevant authorities.
During the initial phase, specially trained personnel will focus on clearing priority hotspots and preventing illegal miners from continuing their activities. This will be followed by sustained patrols and surveillance to ensure that those areas are not occupied again. The final stage will involve transferring routine protection to the Forestry Commission, allowing its guards to take over ongoing monitoring and safeguarding of the reserve.
Colonel Appiah said the intended outcome is a reserve in which priority hotspots have been cleared and stabilised, with routine protection progressively transferred to Forestry Commission guards. He added that protecting the Atiwa Forest Reserve would strengthen efforts to safeguard water sources and restore areas affected by illegal mining.
He also highlighted that NAIMOS will not remain permanently in every area where it conducts operations. Instead, the secretariat will move on to other priority areas after completing its enforcement duties, with the relevant agencies maintaining a presence in already secured areas. This transition is designed to create a permanent, agency‑led protection model rather than rely indefinitely on temporary enforcement deployments.
To maintain operational effectiveness, the director stressed the need for continued investment in logistics, mobility, communications and support for deployed personnel. He also mentioned the importance of recovering and securing heavy equipment seized during operations to prevent it from re‑entering illegal mining activities.
The government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has committed to providing the funding and logistical support required to sustain NAIMOS operations. The launch of Operation Greenshield marks a significant step in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and the protection of its forest reserves.
