The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has raised concerns about what it describes as persistent interference from powerful individuals—particularly chiefs and politicians—that continues to undermine Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.

Addressing a stakeholder meeting in Sekondi on Sunday, December 7, Deputy Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Satekla, said the secretariat remains committed to combating galamsey, but interference from influential figures has become one of the biggest obstacles to its work.

Briefing 14 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Western Region, along with two Regional Police Commanders, Lt. Col. Satekla said illegal mining hotspots require strict enforcement and full cooperation from local authorities to maintain effective “no-go” zones.

He stressed that the success of ongoing operations depends heavily on local support.

He noted, however, that this support is often compromised.

“Every institution has challenges, and we are no exception. One of our key challenges is interference from influential people. We encounter this from politicians, chiefs, and other stakeholders in areas where we operate, and it is a big problem that must be addressed. Another critical challenge is logistics,” he said.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining and urged all MMDCEs to back President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to end galamsey.