The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has condemned the violent assault on a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force in the Ahafo Region, calling it a serious challenge to state authority.
During a press briefing in Accra, the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, stated that the incident took place after the declaration of Forest Reserves and Waterbodies as Security Zones on November 1, 2025.
A ten-member NAIMOS team, led by Director of Operations Colonel Dominic Buah, was conducting reconnaissance in Goaso to find a suitable location for permanent deployment when they stumbled upon an illegal mining operation at Bonikrom, just ten meters from the Hwidiem-Goaso highway.
Reports indicate that the miners fled when they saw the task force, leaving behind a Burkinabe operator of an excavator. When questioned, the suspect was told to refill the mining pits to avoid further environmental harm and to contact the site owner.
The task force then set fire to the makeshift shelters used by the illegal miners. Soon after, three men arrived at the scene—one claiming to be a Defence Intelligence officer and the other two asserting ownership of the site. A search revealed a pistol, two magazines, 21 rounds of ammunition, GH¢11,000 in cash, 12 mobile phones, and a power bank.
While arrangements were being made to take the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, a mob gathered, demanding their release. The situation escalated into violence, prompting police reinforcements to step in as the crowd threatened to set the police station on fire. Col. Buah’s Toyota Hilux vehicle was damaged during the turmoil.
Mawuenyefia praised Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, Superintendent John Atanga, and other senior officers for their quick actions in restoring order.
To maintain peace, the police and local authorities, including the Zongo Chief, helped evacuate Col. Buah and his team to safety at the Newmont site in Kenyase.
In a quick reaction, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, informed the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior, urging for immediate investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police has since instructed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take charge of the case to ensure fairness and professionalism.
In another incident, a team from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), led by its CEO, Prof. Browne Klutse, was involved in an accident at Afari after being pursued by illegal miners near Obuasi. Two journalists are in critical condition, and several others were injured.
Hon. Buah, who is also the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, expressed his disappointment regarding both incidents, warning that anyone who attacks security or enforcement officers will face severe legal consequences, regardless of their status.
He reiterated the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s lands, rivers, forests, and communities from illegal mining, emphasizing: “Illegal mining is a criminal act. Any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers involved in anti-galamsey operations is an offense against the state. These attacks will not deter us. They will only strengthen our resolve. Ghana must win this fight.