13 October, 2025
Following the recent operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force at the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, which resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of a Land Cruiser V8 vehicle, my attention has been drawn to some comments made by me, Nana Kwame Nkansah II, the Divisional Chief of Jomoro in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.
In a press release published by my office, I sought to contradict and question NAIMOS’s decision to conduct the raid in my area and attacked the credibility of NAIMOS.
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.
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.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the NAIMOS Task Force on its dedication and patriotism in the fight against irresponsible and unlawful mining activities that threaten to harm and pollute our water bodies.
I am also committed to lawful mining, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment, and I will not support any activity that harms our natural resources.
SIDNED
Nana kwame Nkansah II
Divisional Chief of Jomoro of Aowin Municipal
Western North Region
