The Director of Corporate Affairs at the Minerals Commission, Mr. Dela Edem, has revealed that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAiMOS), operating under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, requires about 90 pickup vehicles to effectively carry out its nationwide operations against illegal mining.

Speaking on the Ghana Yensom Morning Show hosted by Chief Jerry Forson on Accra 100.5 FM on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Mr. Edem stressed that logistical constraints remain the biggest challenge to NAiMOS’ mission to curb illegal mining and restore Ghana’s degraded water bodies.

“The only major setback to NAiMOS’ operations is logistics.

Without adequate vehicles and equipment, all our efforts will come to nothing,” he stated.

He explained that logistics form a critical component of NAiMOS’ operational strategy, as teams must traverse difficult terrains across mining communities to monitor and enforce regulations.

Mr. Edem commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his consistent support of NAiMOS since its establishment, describing his leadership as “decisive and results-oriented.”

He also praised the Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, for his company’s contribution of five pickups to the Secretariat, noting that such partnerships were crucial to sustaining the fight.

“So far, NAiMOS has about twenty pickups, but we still need more.

The target is ninety vehicles to enable full nationwide operations,” he disclosed.

Mr. Edem further assured the public that NAiMOS will not tolerate interference or influence peddling in its work, emphasising that under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, the fight against illegal mining is being pursued with renewed integrity and determination.

“Gone are the days when powerful individuals interfered in the work of anti-galamsey taskforces.

This time, there will be no sacred cows,” he said.

He also announced that vehicles seized during NAiMOS operations will be added to the task force’s fleets to support field activities and expand its operational capacity.

Mr. Edem concluded by reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment to the national vision of achieving clean water bodies and sustainable environmental management, pledging that NAiMOS will continue to work tirelessly to protect Ghana’s natural resources.