Interior Minister Receives Seized Illegal Firearms from NAIMOS, Vows Transparent Crackdown on Galamsey

The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has taken delivery of a number of illegal firearms seized by the first batch of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during its ongoing clampdown on galamsey.

Presenting the weapons to the Ministry on Friday, the NAIMOS team handed over the firearms for further action. Minister Mubarak commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the NAIMOS personnel for their “dedication and commitment to the fight against illegal mining.”

He subsequently transferred the seized weapons to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for documentation, marking, and destruction as required by law.

“I assured the public that all equipment and items seized during anti-galamsey operations, particularly excavators, will be dealt with transparently and in line with established legal procedures,” Mubarak stated. He added that details of seizures and subsequent actions will be published through official channels to ensure accountability.

The Minister called on Ghanaians, especially communities impacted by illegal mining, to continue backing the government and NAIMOS in the campaign against galamsey. He warned that illegal mining threatens the environment, water bodies, farmlands, and the health and livelihoods of citizens.

Addressing the newly deployed batch of NAIMOS officers, Mubarak urged them to discharge their duties with “professionalism, integrity, and dedication,” noting that earning public trust is key to protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.

“Together, we can win the fight against illegal mining and safeguard Ghana’s environment for future generations,” he said.

NAIMOS was set up to coordinate intensified operations against illegal mining across the country.