The Divisional Chief of Jomoro in the Aowin Municipality, Nana Kwame Nkansah II, has issued a formal apology to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) after earlier criticizing the task force’s recent operation at the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.
In a press statement released on Monday, October 13, the chief acknowledged that his previous comments questioning the credibility and mandate of NAIMOS were made in error and have since been withdrawn.
The apology follows a NAIMOS-led raid on October 8, 2025, which resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of a Land Cruiser V8 vehicle believed to be connected to illegal mining activities in the forest reserve.
Nana Nkansah II explained that his initial statement was based on misleading information he received from his employees but, after further consultation and verification, he recognized that the task force’s actions were lawful and in line with national efforts to combat illegal mining.
“After consulting with my elders and some opinion leaders, I concluded that the action taken by the NAIMOS Task Force was appropriate,” he stated. “I would like to retract and apologise to all key stakeholders who may have been offended by my earlier comments.”
The chief commended the task force for its commitment and patriotism in safeguarding the environment and protecting Ghana’s water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
“The raid was legitimate because it supports government policy to combat illegal mining near riverbanks and forest reserves,” he said, adding that he remains committed to “lawful mining, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment.”
Nana Nkansah II reaffirmed his full support for government initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining and preserving natural resources for future generations.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has in recent months intensified operations in several mining hotspots across the country, targeting illegal miners and unlicensed operators destroying the environment and polluting major water bodies.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
