The government has set aside GH¢150 million in the 2026 fiscal year to strengthen the national campaign against illegal mining, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced.
Delivering the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, Dr. Forson said the allocation is aimed at boosting the operational capacity of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as part of efforts to curb the destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands.
“An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for their activities against illegal mining and forest degradation,” he told lawmakers.
He explained that the funding will enhance ongoing enforcement, intelligence-gathering, and monitoring activities coordinated by NAIMOS, which has become the central body in the state’s anti-galamsey strategy.
NAIMOS was established to streamline national responses to illegal mining by integrating the efforts of security services, regulatory agencies, and local authorities. Its operations are intelligence-led and include collaboration with mining communities to encourage responsible practices and safeguard the environment.
Dr. Forson reiterated government’s determination to confront environmental crimes that undermine livelihoods and long-term national development. He stressed that protecting Ghana’s natural resources remains a priority in the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
