Cape Coast, April 10, – Staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) deployed to illegal mining zones have been urged to steer clear of activities that could compromise the fight against galamsey.
The Central Regional Minister, Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, issued the caution at Cape Coast during the opening of a three-day leadership and capacity-building workshop for NADMO Directors and their deputies.
He expressed concern that any collaboration with illegal miners undermines environmental protection efforts and exposes communities to severe ecological and health risks.
The Minister drew a strong parallel between illegal mining and organised crime, describing any form of support or profit-making from galamsey as betrayal of public trust.
“Anyone who aids this activity, regardless of position or background, is effectively working against the state,” he stated.
The workshop, organised at the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), is focused on strengthening NADMO’s operational efficiency and improving disaster preparedness systems.
Participants are being exposed to training modules covering hydro-meteorological hazards, fire response coordination, relief management, and institutional command structures.
Practical sessions form part of the programme, aimed at improving field response and inter-agency collaboration during emergencies.
Mr Eduamoah emphasised that discipline and integrity remain central to effective disaster management, particularly in areas affected by illegal mining.
He warned that government would not shield any official found to be complicit in galamsey-related activities, stressing that enforcement would be applied without bias.
The Council of State representative for the Central Region, Mr Habib Hakeem Addae, raised concerns about alleged internal involvement in illegal mining, noting that such developments weaken public confidence in NADMO.
He said the agency’s mandate in addressing environmental disasters makes ethical conduct essential, especially in mining-prone communities.
He called for stronger supervision systems and closer coordination with security agencies to address emerging risks.
The Regional Director of NADMO, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Dawood, indicated that the training is part of a broader institutional shift towards prevention-focused disaster management.
He explained that the new approach prioritises early risk identification and resilience building rather than reactive response to disasters.
According to him, the strategy aligns with national climate adaptation goals and is expected to reduce both human and economic losses.
GHBUSS
April 10, 2026
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