Africa-Press – Ghana. Central Regional Minister Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah has cautioned staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) deployed in illegal mining hotspots to resist inducements and avoid profiting from galamsey activities.
He likened complicity in illegal mining to aiding hardened criminals, stressing that it undermines national security, destroys the environment, and endangers public health.
“Supporting illegal mining is no different from aiding armed robbers or shielding murderers. Profiting from it makes you a partner in crime, not a public servant,” he warned.
The Minister gave the caution at the opening of a three-day leadership and capacity-building workshop for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directors of NADMO and their deputies at the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), on the theme: “Resetting NADMO for improved performance in disaster resilience.”
The workshop is equipping participants on NADMO’s new direction and command structures, hydro-meteorological disasters, fire management, relief operations, administration, and training protocols, alongside practical exercises to enhance disaster coordination. Participants will receive certificates upon completion.
Mr Eduamoah stressed that combating illegal mining required integrity, warning that any compromise perpetuated environmental destruction and economic sabotage.
He assured that no individual found supporting or engaging in illegal mining would be spared, regardless of status, ethnicity, gender, or political affiliation.
“Whether chief, pastor, party loyalist, or citizen, anyone fueling this menace will face the full rigours of the law,” he stated.
Habib Hakeem Addae, Central Regional Representative of the Council of State, described reports of internal complicity within NADMO as deeply worrying, saying they undermine government’s efforts to curb illegal mining.
He noted NADMO’s critical role in addressing environmental impacts such as river pollution, land degradation, and flood risks, warning that such allegations erode public trust and weaken the agency’s credibility.
Mr Hakeem Addae urged NADMO leadership to investigate thoroughly, strengthen oversight, and collaborate with security agencies to restore confidence.
Emmanuel Kwasi Dawood, Regional Director of NADMO, said the training formed part of a strategic shift from reactive disaster response to a proactive approach focused on risk assessment, prevention, and resilience-building.
He noted that this approach would save lives, reduce economic losses, and align with national goals under the National Adaptation Plan while enhancing community preparedness in vulnerable areas.
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