Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the Bono Regional National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
He tasked the field taskforce of secretariat to work tirelessly devoid of biases and favouritism to stem the growing illegal mining activities in the region.
The task-force comprises personnel of the Third Garrison Battalion (3BN), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, National Security and the National Investigations Bureau.
Speaking at the closing session of a training for the NAIMOS field taskforce held at the Armour Training School of the 3BN at the Liberation Barracks in Sunyani, Mr Buah said the government was strongly behind them and ready to provide the taskforce with all the required logistical support to stem illegal mining and protect forest reserves as well.
Members of the task force went through one-week intensive training to fully prepare and equip them well for their operations.
Mr Buah said: “Always remember that President John Mahama is behind and ready to empower you and to become successful and achieve your mandate.
“This is a call to national duty, and we are counting on you because our wellbeing largely depends on you, and we expect you to protect our forest and water bodies.”
Mr Buah warned illegal miners to stop their bad practices because the law would not spare them when they were caught.
He said: “The nationwide fight against galamsey remains unending until we succeed and the trespassers must prepare to face the full rigours of the law.”
The Minister said the government was strongly against illegal mining and remained committed to bringing the menace under control.
GNA
