Jomoro Chief apologises to NAIMOS over illegal mining remarks

The Divisional Chief of Jomoro in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, Nana Kwame Nkansah II, has retracted and apologised for comments he made criticizing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) following a recent anti-galamsey operation at the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, the chief admitted that his earlier remarks questioning the credibility and actions of the NAIMOS Task Force were made in error and based on incomplete information.

“After consulting with my elders and some opinion leaders, I concluded that the action taken by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force was appropriate, and I would like to retract and apologise to the various key stakeholders who may have been offended by my statement in the aftermath,” Nana Nkansah stated

The apology follows a NAIMOS Task Force operation on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, which led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of a Land Cruiser V8 vehicle believed to have been used for illegal mining activities.

Initially, the chief had questioned the legitimacy of the raid, suggesting that it was unwarranted. However, upon further consultation and review of the facts, he acknowledged that the task force’s intervention was justified.

“The raid was legitimate because it supported the company’s operational policy of combating illegal mining near riverbanks and forest reserve areas. This was due to the earlier information provided by my employees, but after several checks and briefings, I erred in my comments,” he explained.

Nana Nkansah II further commended the NAIMOS Task Force for its “dedication and patriotism in the fight against irresponsible and unlawful mining activities that threaten to harm and pollute our water bodies.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting lawful mining, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment, emphasizing that he will not support any activity that harms our natural resources.

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