The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has revealed that the government plans to allocate GH¢150 million in the 2026 fiscal year to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to strengthen efforts against illegal mining and forest damage.
While presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, under the theme “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation,” Dr. Forson stated that this allocation reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural environment and rehabilitating damaged lands.
“An allocation of GH¢150 million has been designated for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to support their initiatives against illegal mining and forest degradation,” he mentioned.
The finance minister pointed out that these funds will aid in the ongoing enforcement, intelligence, and monitoring efforts led by NAIMOS to tackle illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, which have significantly harmed water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat was created to coordinate national efforts against illegal mining by uniting the work of security agencies, regulatory bodies, and local authorities.
The operations of the Secretariat are driven by intelligence and involve close cooperation with mining communities to encourage responsible mining practices and ensure environmental sustainability.
Dr. Forson reiterated that the government is determined to fight environmental crimes that jeopardize livelihoods and national progress, stressing that the protection of Ghana’s natural resources is vital to the country’s long-term economic transformation strategy.