The Ghanaian government is allocating GH¢150 million in the 2026 fiscal year to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in a renewed effort to combat illegal mining and forest destruction.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as he presented the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13.
Speaking under the theme “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation”, Dr Forson stated that the allocation demonstrates the government’s continued resolve to protect the nation’s natural environment and restore degraded lands.
The Finance Minister confirmed the exact funding amount, stating, “An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for their activities against illegal mining and forest degradation.”
This substantial funding is intended to support the ongoing enforcement, intelligence, and monitoring operations led by NAIMOS. These activities are designed to clamp down on illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, which have severely damaged Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat was established to coordinate national efforts by integrating the work of security agencies, regulatory bodies, and local authorities. The Secretariat’s work is driven by intelligence and involves close collaboration with mining communities to promote responsible practices.
Dr Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling environmental crimes that threaten livelihoods and national development, emphasising that protecting Ghana’s natural resources is central to the country’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
