Dr. Ekua Odoom, an environmental scientist at the Institute of Environmental and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, has urged the government to strengthen legal measures against illegal mining, warning that merely arresting and releasing offenders is insufficient.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, January 13, while reviewing the one-year performance of President John Dramani Mahama, she commended the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) but stressed that more must be done to ensure accountability.

“In terms of political will and consistency, there have been some efforts, but there is still room for improvement. With the establishment of NAIMOS, catching and releasing is not enough. We need the prosecution of these perpetrators,” she said.

Dr. Odoom highlighted the importance of institutionalising the fight against illegal mining rather than relying on short-term initiatives. She argued that granting institutions autonomy and a permanent mandate would enable them to enforce the law effectively, remain resilient against political cycles, and resist influence from elites or economic pressures.

“The NAIMOS is a very good initiative, but it needs permanent positioning in heavily mined areas. It shouldn’t be a one-off task force event,” she added.

Dr Odoom however said, the John Mahama administration has demonstrated renewed determination in tackling illegal mining, with visible progress in protecting Ghana’s forest reserves.

She highlighted the institutionalisation of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), which works in close collaboration with national security agencies.

“There has been appreciable visibility and clear action in fighting galamsey. So far, about 1,500 arrests have been made, including foreign nationals, alongside the seizure of mining equipment,” she said, pointing to the tangible impact of the government’s operations.