The government has allocated GH¢150 million to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the 2026 fiscal year as part of renewed efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural environment.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the allocation on Thursday, November 13, during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, themed “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation.”
“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,” Dr. Forson said.
The funding is expected to strengthen ongoing enforcement, intelligence gathering, and monitoring operations carried out by NAIMOS to curb illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—which continues to devastate water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands across the country.
Strengthening the National Response to Environmental Degradation
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat was established to coordinate national efforts against galamsey by harmonising the work of security agencies, regulatory authorities, and local government structures.
Its operations rely heavily on intelligence and community engagement, with the aim of promoting responsible mining practices and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
Dr. Forson emphasized that protecting Ghana’s natural resources is fundamental to the country’s broader economic transformation goals.
He reaffirmed government’s determination to clamp down on environmental crimes, noting that the ongoing degradation of rivers, forests, and agricultural lands threatens livelihoods and undermines national development efforts.
