During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, themed “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation,” Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced a government allocation of GH¢150 million to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
This funding, earmarked for the 2026 fiscal year, is intended to bolster efforts to combat illegal mining and curb forest degradation. Dr Forson emphasised that the investment reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems.
“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 stated.
The Finance Minister noted that the funds will support ongoing enforcement, intelligence, and monitoring operations led by NAIMOS to clamp down on illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, which have severely affected water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) was created to unify and streamline the country’s response to illegal mining activities by coordinating the efforts of security services, regulatory institutions, and local governments. Its operations are guided by intelligence and rely heavily on partnerships with mining communities to foster responsible mining practices and uphold environmental sustainability.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson reiterated the government’s firm stance against environmental crimes that jeopardise livelihoods and hinder national progress, stressing that the protection of Ghana’s natural resources is a cornerstone of the nation’s broader strategy for economic transformation.
Source: Isaac Appiah-Kubi
