By Ishmeal 
President John Dramani Mahama has announced GH¢200 million in Ghana’s 2027 Budget to support the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards.
The funding is expected to strengthen efforts to fight illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and protect Ghana’s rivers, forests and other natural resources.
Funding to Fight Galamsey
Illegal mining remains a major environmental challenge in Ghana. It has damaged forest reserves, polluted rivers and degraded land in several communities.
NAIMOS coordinates operations against illegal mining. The Blue Water Guards, on the other hand, help protect water bodies from activities linked to galamsey.
The proposed GH¢200 million allocation is expected to support the work of both groups and strengthen their operations.
GH¢200m Also Earmarked for Land Restoration
President Mahama has also announced another GH¢200 million for the reclamation of land damaged by illegal mining.
The funding is expected to support the restoration of 5,000 acres of degraded land, with work scheduled to begin in 2027.
Together, the two allocations amount to GH¢400 million for anti-illegal mining operations and land restoration.
Focus on Protecting Ghana’s Environment
The proposed funding forms part of the government’s efforts to address the damage caused by galamsey.
However, the results will depend on how effectively the money is used and how consistently enforcement operations are carried out.
Restoring damaged land and protecting rivers will also require sustained monitoring and action against illegal mining.
Ghana’s ability to protect its natural resources will depend on both effective enforcement and long-term environmental recovery.
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