GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FIGHT ILLEGAL MINING DESPITE ATTACKS ON TASKFORCE —Minister Orders Urgent Investigations into Assault on NAIMOS Team in Ahafo Region
Credit: Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l Friday, November 7, 2025
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed government’s unflinching commitment to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), despite a violent attack on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the Ahafo Region.
At a press briefing held in Accra, the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi, said the unfortunate incident occurred when a 10-member NAIMOS reconnaissance team led by Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations, encountered an illegal mining site near Bonikrom, along the Hwidiem–Goaso highway.
According to Ms. Mawusi, the team, which had been dispatched to identify a suitable location for a permanent taskforce deployment, found miners operating illegally by the roadside. The operators fled upon seeing the team, leaving behind a Burkinabe national who was operating an excavator. Col. Buah instructed the suspect to refill the dug pits to prevent further environmental degradation, after which the team set ablaze temporary structures used by the illegal miners.
However, the situation escalated when individuals claiming ownership of the site and others identifying as security operatives confronted the taskforce. A search on one of the suspects yielded a Smith & Wesson pistol, 21 rounds of ammunition, GH₵11,000 in cash, 12 assorted mobile phones, and other items.
Ms. Mawusi revealed that as the suspect was being transported to the Hwidiem Police Station, a mob attempted to forcibly secure his release, resulting in violent confrontations. Reinforcements were called in from nearby police stations to rescue the besieged officers. During the chaos, Col. Buah’s official vehicle was vandalized.
“We want to commend Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, the Ahafo Regional Crime Officer, and his team for their professionalism and restraint under immense pressure,” Ms. Mawusi stated.
To de-escalate tensions and protect lives, a joint decision by the police, military, and the local Zongo chief led to the release of seized vehicle keys to their owners. The Zongo chief later provided his own vehicle to safely evacuate Col. Buah and his team to the Newmont site at Kenyase under police escort.
Ms. Mawusi emphasized that despite the ordeal, NAIMOS remains resolute in its mission to eradicate illegal mining and restore Ghana’s degraded lands and water bodies.
In a swift response to the incident, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, notified the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior, calling for an urgent investigation. The Inspector-General of Police has since directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over the case to ensure professionalism and impartiality.
Hon. Buah strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “an affront to state authority and the rule of law.” He warned that any individual or group who obstructs or attacks law enforcement personnel engaged in anti-galamsey operations would face the full rigors of the law, regardless of their political, social, or traditional status.
In a related development, Ms. Mawusi disclosed that a team from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led by CEO Prof. Henry Browne Klutse was involved in a motor accident at Afari after being chased by illegal miners near Dadwene, close to Obuasi. Two journalists were reported to be in critical condition, with several others injured. The EPA has in recent weeks intensified its crackdown on facilities producing and distributing illegal mining equipment.
Hon. Buah, who also serves as Acting Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), expressed deep concern over the growing attacks on enforcement teams but insisted that the government will not be intimidated.
“Illegal mining is a criminal act. Any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers is an offense against the state. Our resolve to protect Ghana’s lands, rivers, forests, and communities is stronger than ever. Illegal mining must stop. Ghana must win this fight,” he declared.
