Government Condemns Attack on Anti-Galamsey Team

  



The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has condemned the violent attack on a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force in the Ahafo Region, describing it as a grave affront to state authority.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra, the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, said the incident occurred following 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, had been conducting reconnaissance in Goaso to identify a suitable site for permanent deployment when they encountered an illegal mining operation at Bonikrom, just ten metres from the Hwidiem-Goaso highway.
According to reports, the miners fled upon sighting the task force, leaving behind a Burkinabe operator of an excavator. When questioned, the suspect was instructed to refill the mining pits to prevent further environmental damage and to call the site owner.
The task force then set ablaze the makeshift shelters used by the illegal miners. Shortly afterward, three men arrived at the scene—one identifying himself as a Defence Intelligence officer and two others claiming ownership of the site. A search on them 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 transport the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, a mob gathered at the scene demanding their release. The confrontation escalated into violence, forcing police reinforcements to intervene as the crowd threatened to burn down the police station. Col. Buah’s Toyota Hilux vehicle was vandalized during the chaos.
Mawuenyefia commended Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, Superintendent John Atanga, and other senior officers for their swift action in restoring calm. In the interest of peace, the police and local authorities, including the Zongo Chief, facilitated the evacuation of Col. Buah and his team to safety at the Newmont site in Kenyase.
In a swift response, 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 urgent investigations. The Inspector-General of Police has since directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over the case to ensure impartiality and professionalism.
Meanwhile, in a separate 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 chased by illegal miners near Obuasi. Two journalists remain in critical condition, while several others sustained injuries.
Hon. Buah, who also serves as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, expressed his disappointment over the two incidents, warning that anyone who attacks security or enforcement officers will face the full force of the law, regardless of status.
He reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s lands, rivers, forests, and communities from illegal mining, stressing:
“Illegal mining is a criminal act. Any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers engaged in anti-galamsey operations is an offence against the state. These attacks will not deter us. They will only strengthen our resolve. Ghana must win this fight.”

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