By Ansah David

Copyright ahotoronline

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illegal mining (galamsey), including politically connected and influential figures. He urged them to cease their activities immediately as the government ramps up efforts to eradicate the practice.
This warning comes in the wake of alarming findings by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which recently detected traces of mercury, a toxic substance often associated with illegal mining in locally consumed products such as turmeric and cereal mixes (commonly known as Tom Brown). The discovery has reignited public health concerns about the broader environmental and health impacts of galamsey.
In response to the FDA alert, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has directed the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining operations and take decisive action against perpetrators.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, September 29, 2025, Mr. Kotoko made it clear that the era of shielding offenders behind political or social connections is over.
> “Permit me to say that from this week onwards, if you are engaged in this enterprise, it is best you put a stop to it,” Kotoko warned. “There will be naming and shaming, and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you belong, or who you know.”
He emphasized the critical role of traditional authorities in tackling illegal mining, particularly due to the influence of Ghana’s land tenure system.
> “Our traditional authorities play a major role because of how land is held and managed in this country,” he explained. “That’s why NAIMOS has been tasked to deepen engagement with chiefs and local leaders. This must not be seen as a political witch-hunt where a politician needs to intervene.”
Kotoko stressed that NAIMOS will first offer communities the opportunity to self-correct. However, should illegal activities persist, military intervention will be sanctioned in the national interest.
The government’s latest directive reflects a significantly tougher stance on illegal mining, framing it not just as an environmental issue, but also a threat to food safety and public health.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku