Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Media Relations Officer for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has highly commended Colonel Dominic Buah, the Director of Operations at the National Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Schandorf described the senior military officer as a man of unquestionable credibility, integrity, and diligence.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Schandorf asserted that Colonel Buah has demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that he is the right person for the job.
He noted that despite immense pressure, political interference, and attempts by certain traditional leaders to obstruct his work, the Colonel has remained firm, fair, and untainted.
Schandorf told host Kwabena Agyapong that if Ghana’s security agencies were led by individuals of the Colonel’s caliber, the nation would have developed more significantly, with discipline, patriotism, and respect at the forefront of public life.
He revealed that various individuals frequently visit the NAIMOS office hoping to compromise the Director, but Colonel Buah consistently resists their “dubious ways.” Schandorf acknowledged that while politically exposed persons, religious leaders, and chiefs are often deeply involved in illegal mining, the government remains committed to tackling the crisis.
The government’s position, according to Schandorf, is not an opposition to mining itself, but a requirement that all mining activities be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
“People have their own interests, and so it makes the fight against galamsey difficult. It will surprise you to know that the appeals and attempts by people storming the offices of NAIMOS are alarming. But I must highly commend Colonel Dominic Buah for the professionalism, diligence, and credibility with which he works. I want to pray and ask God to bless him. If we had about five people of the caliber of Colonel Dominic Buah heading our security agencies—and I say this with the utmost respect and not to denigrate anyone—what Ghana would see would have been different.
The kind of pressure he is soaking up, his ability to manage it, and how he is able to stand his ground is commendable. That is the reason why we are able to arrest these illegal miners and prosecute them. He has made up his mind that he is not listening to anybody. He is very straightforward and always about following due process; if you don’t do that, it will weaken NAIMOS and ruin the credibility of the operations.”
Schandorf concluded by noting that while the operations of NAIMOS have been commendable, they are still hampered by political interference.
He credited the government with providing significant logistical and financial support but admitted there is more to be done.
Moving forward, he emphasised that the Ministry will continue to pursue the establishment of permanent bases across the country to ensure a constant and effective presence in the fight against illegal mining.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
