Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has strongly condemned the recent attack on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the Ahafo Region.
The attack occurred on November 1, 2025, when a NAIMOS team led by Col. Dominic Buah was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Goaso. The team was identifying a suitable location for the permanent deployment of a NAIMOS field task force when they stumbled upon an ongoing illegal mining operation at Bonikrom, near the Hwidiem-Goaso highway.
According to the Ministry's Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the miners fled, leaving behind a Burkinabe national operating an excavator. The NAIMOS team set ablaze shelters used by the illegal miners and arrested three individuals, including a Defence Intelligence representative.
The suspects were found with a pistol, ammunition, and other incriminating items. However, the situation escalated when a mob demanded the release of the arrested individuals, threatening to burn down the police station. The police and military personnel on the scene released the suspects to prevent bloodshed, and Col. Buah and his team were evacuated to safety.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, has condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and an affront to state authority. He has notified the Speaker of Parliament and the Interior Minister for swift and urgent investigations into the matter.
The Inspector-General of Police has directed the CID Headquarters to take over the investigation to ensure impartiality and professionalism in bringing all culprits to justice.
In a related incident, an EPA team led by Prof. Browne Kluste was involved in a motor accident in Afari, near Obuasi, after being chased by illegal miners. Two journalists were critically injured, and several others were injured.
The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to combating illegal mining, emphasizing that it is a criminal act. The government has warned that any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers engaged in anti-galamsey operations will be severely dealt with.
"The Ministry wishes to make it clear that illegal mining is a criminal act! Any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers engaged in anti-galamsey operations is therefore deemed an offence against the state, and anyone found culpable will be severely dealt with, no matter their political, social, or traditional status," Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia stated.
The government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, shutting down several warehouses involved in the production of illegal mining equipment.
The fight against galamsey will continue, and all culprits will be brought to justice.
