Recall of IGP’s anti-galamsey task force is a corrective measure, not an end to the fight – MLNR

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has clarified that the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s anti-galamsey task force has been recalled from its operational areas to address credible reports of extortion involving some of its members.

It disclosed that the recall is a “crucial and necessary corrective measure” and not an end to the fight against illegal mining.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the MLNR’s Media Relations Officer, responded to concerns raised by journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, who feared the move would allow illegal miners to intensify their activities.

He assured the public that the government’s primary anti-galamsey body, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), remains fully intact and its operations are proceeding without interruption.

He further noted that the recall of the task force is a strategic move to ensure the integrity of the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining.

The MLNR reiterated its commitment to making “our waters blue and forests green again” under the leadership of Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, with NAIMOS continuing its work to protect the nation’s natural resources.

Read the full statement below

RE: RECALL OF IGP’S ANTI-GALAMSEY TASK FORCE

1. Two (2) hours ago, I read a Facebook piece by my former JoyNews colleague (Erastus Asare Donkor) — where he said the IGP’s anti-galamsey task force had been recalled from their operational areas.
2. He therefore feared that this will subsequently create room for illegal miners to intensify their activities.
3. In his post, he also questioned government’s resolve to end galamsey in the light of the reported recall.
4. First of all, it is important to clarify that the recall of the IGP’s task force IS NOT IN ANY WAY an attempt to grant illegal miners a free pass to destroy the environment, as the post seems to suggest.
5. For the avoidance of doubt, the recall is rather a crucial and necessary corrective measure to address the reports of extortion involving some task force members.
6. Second, and most importantly, the recall does not hold the galamsey fight to ransom. Indeed, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) — which is government’s umbrella outfit for fighting galamsey remains intact, with all operations proceeding unabated.
7. The public is therefore assured that with the steady and uninterrupted operations of NAIMOS, government remains poised to make our waters blue and forests green again under the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf — Media Relations Officer, MLNR
Accra — Thursday, 28th August, 2025 | 2:00am

By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana