Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Media Relations Officer for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has revealed that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) faces an “uncountable” number of propositions aimed at compromising their operations.
According to Schandorf, various individuals—including politically exposed persons and traditional rulers—have attempted to bribe officials to halt the crackdown on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He noted that the attempts are frequent and involve significant sums of money. In one instance in the Eastern Region, the “least” amount offered was GH₵120,000.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Schandorf emphasised that while NAIMOS is facing mounting pressure from multiple quarters to compromise its stance, the leadership remains unshakeable.
He was quick to credit the commander in charge of NAIMOS for being credible, firm, and dedicated to the mission.
The official further disclosed that the team do not just reject these offers; they take action. There have been several instances where individuals attempting to bribe the team were promptly arrested.
“If I tell you about the offers or the propositions that come to NAIMOS daily, you can’t count them. These attempts come daily. Just last week, the soldiers who were in the Eastern Region were approached with a GH₵150,000 bribe, but they refused and arrested the one involved. The GH₵120,000 is the least amount. Sometimes the bribe is as high as GH₵400,000, but the NAIMOS Commander is credible and has consistently remained strong and firm. The offers keep coming, but they keep rejecting them.”
Schandorf assured the public that the current administration is guided by the scandals that plagued previous efforts. He stressed that even a small lapse in integrity could destroy the unit’s reputation.
“We are guided by the failures of the past. You will recall that famous ‘party hia sika’ mantra which undermined the fight against galamsey in the previous government. We will not do that. As for the offers, they keep coming, but the NAIMOS team remains strong and patriotic to their duties.”
He added that if anyone were to receive a bribe of even 10 pesewas, the team would lose all credibility and public trust.
Schandorf added that while the unit requires significant logistical support, the President has demonstrated a clear commitment to providing the necessary resources to sustain their operations.
The National Alternative Integration and Mineral Operations Service (NAIMOS) is a specialised unit under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) that coordinates, monitors, and leads intelligence-led field operations to combat illegal mining activities, known as ‘galamsey’, throughout Ghana.
It functions as the operational hub for Ghana’s efforts to combat illicit small-scale mining and the associated environmental degradation, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
