The Director of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOs), Colonel Dominic Buah, has issued a strong warning to illegal miners, their financiers, and accomplices, declaring that his team will intensify operations to flush them out and restore the country’s polluted water bodies.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Friday during a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Col. Buah vowed that his outfit would take a more uncompromising approach to ending illegal mining.

“I am sending a warning, and Mr. President, with your permission, I want to send this message to the illegal miners, their assigns, and financiers: we are coming after them.

We will smoke them out to make sure our waters are clean,” Col. Buah said.

His remarks were met with strong approval from sections of the CSOs present at the engagement.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, also disclosed that steps are underway to repeal Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which regulates small-scale mining operations.

He further revealed that the trial of Akonta Mining owner, Chairman Wontumi, will commence on Monday, October 6, 2025, as part of efforts to hold illegal mining operators accountable.

Additionally, Dr. Ayine announced plans to establish Specialised Galamsey Courts, in collaboration with the Chief Justice, to fast-track prosecutions and ensure swift justice for offenders.

The latest measures signal a renewed commitment by government and state institutions to crack down on illegal mining, protect water resources, and safeguard the environment.