NAIMOS only conducts lawful arrests but will take decisive action when necessary - Schandorf

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting lawful operations in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, while warning that its task force will take appropriate action when confronted with imminent threats to the lives of its personnel.

The Secretariat’s spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said NAIMOS does not deploy its officers into communities with aggression but operates within the confines of the law, primarily focusing on arresting individuals involved in illegal mining activities.

Speaking on the approach adopted by the task force when faced with resistance or obstruction from community members in an interview on Joy News, Schandorf stressed that the force is required to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could be considered excessive.

He, however, noted that the task force would not hesitate to defend itself if its personnel faced imminent threats that could result in death or physical injury.

“My first and principal consideration when it comes to community obstruction or resistance is to ensure that the task force acts within the remit of the law and does not do anything that can be construed as an excessive reaction,” he stated.

“That notwithstanding, when the task force, at any material moment, is faced with imminent threats that could actually lead to the loss of life of its members or cause injury, appropriate and proportionate action will be taken,” he added.

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Schandorf further explained that NAIMOS’ primary mandate is to enforce the law through the arrest of illegal miners, rather than engage in aggressive confrontations with residents.

He maintained, however, that where circumstances demand additional decisive action to protect the lives of officers during the lawful execution of their duties, the task force would respond appropriately.

He also referenced comments by the sector minister, who has indicated that NAIMOS personnel are permitted to defend themselves when circumstances make it absolutely necessary.

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