The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has warned that individuals who obstruct its enforcement activities or attack its personnel will be referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The warning follows an operation at Subin Akwaaboso in the Central Region on Sunday, November 1, during which NAIMOS personnel and members of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) reportedly encountered considerable resistance from a group of individuals.
According to the Secretariat, some members of the group were wielding cutlasses, firearms and other offensive weapons, posing a threat to the enforcement team and other people present.
The operation resulted in the arrest of some suspected illegal miners.
NAIMOS said the enforcement team, under the direction of its Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah, exercised maximum restraint and took decisive measures to prevent the situation from escalating.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 2, the Secretariat described the obstruction of lawful enforcement activities as a serious concern, warning that anyone suspected of attacking its personnel or interfering with its operations would be referred to the relevant authorities.
It stressed that its officers would continue to operate within the law while exercising restraint and applying necessary and proportionate measures to safeguard enforcement personnel, accompanying journalists and members of the public.
The Secretariat has also appealed to community leaders and residents to support its anti-illegal mining operations and channel any grievances or concerns through the appropriate authorities.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies, regulatory institutions and local communities, with support from the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to protect the environment and sustain gains made in the fight against illegal mining.