Colonel K.S. Appiah Takes Over as NAIMOS Director of Operations
Colonel K.S. Appiah has officially assumed office as the new Director of Operations for the National Mine Action and Explosive Ordnance Management Service, National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), following a brief handover ceremony.
In a Facebook post, NAIMOS said Colonel Dominic Buah handed over to Colonel Appiah “moments ago,” marking the start of his tenure as Director of Operations.
The transition, NAIMOS noted, forms part of routine strategic rotations within the security services.
The Service said the move is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the delivery of its mine action and explosive ordnance management mandate.
Col. Dominic Buah served as Director of Operations prior to the handover.
His exit is expected to be followed by a redeployment in line with standard military rotation policy.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the transition as far more than a transfer of offices, equipment, and operational responsibilities.
He said that what was being handed over was a national mission to protect Ghana’s rivers, forests, mineral wealth, and ultimately the future of the country.
Hon. Buah noted that when the current administration assumed office, illegal mining had evolved into a highly organised, mobile, and well-financed threat that placed immense pressure on water bodies, forest reserves, and public confidence.
Despite these challenges, the Minister said significant progress had been made, crediting the success to the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and the dedication of officers who risked their lives in difficult and often dangerous conditions to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
The Minister paid glowing tribute to the outgoing NAIMOS team led by Colonel Dominic Buah, praising their sacrifices and commitment in laying a solid foundation for the country’s anti-galamsey campaign.
He urged the incoming team, under the leadership of Colonel K. S. Appiah, to strengthen intelligence gathering, embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and continue working collaboratively to sustain the gains made so far.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Director of Operations, Colonel Dominic Buah, reflected on what he described as a challenging but rewarding one-year journey since assuming office in June 2025.
He highlighted the achievements recorded under his leadership.
He noted that the operations had significantly disrupted illegal mining networks and contributed to the gradual recovery of some degraded water bodies and forest reserves.
Advising his successor, he urged the new team to remain firm, transparent, objective, and disciplined, stressing that sustained operations and strict adherence to the rule of law would be critical to winning the fight against illegal mining.
Taking over the mantle, incoming Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah, pledged to build on the gains achieved and intensify efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
NAIMOS is Ghana’s lead agency for coordinating and overseeing anti-illegal mining operations.
It works closely with the Ghana Armed Forces, other security agencies, and stakeholders to clamp down on galamsey, protect water bodies and forest reserves, and enforce mining regulations.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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