The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has strongly denounced a violent attack targeting personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). The incident took place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during an operation against illegal small-scale mining, locally known as ‘galamsey,’ at Bronikrom near Hwediem in the Ahafo Region. The NAIMOS team, which is central to the government’s efforts to enforce mining regulations and curb environmental degradation, was reportedly confronted by illegal miners while carrying out their duties.
Minister Buah, after receiving a comprehensive briefing on the matter, condemned the violence in the strongest terms, underscoring the severity of such direct challenges to state authority and the dedicated officials working to protect the nation’s land and water resources.
The attack is not an isolated incident but highlights the high-stakes and often perilous environment in which government agencies operate to combat illegal mining. ‘Galamsey’ has been a persistent national crisis for years, causing catastrophic damage to Ghana’s forests, farmlands, and, most critically, its major water bodies, which are frequently polluted with heavy metals like mercury.
The government has mounted several high-profile campaigns, including ‘Operation Vanguard’ and the establishment of NAIMOS, to clamp down on these activities. However, enforcement often leads to violent confrontations as illegal miners, frequently backed by powerful local figures or syndicates, resist attempts to dismantle their operations. This systemic resistance makes the protection of state officials a paramount concern for authorities.
In response to this latest act of aggression, Minister Buah has initiated high-level consultations to guarantee a robust state reaction. He has engaged with both the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior to coordinate efforts for a swift and rigorous investigation. This unified approach signals the government’s resolve to move beyond condemnations and ensure that the perpetrators—including those who may be aiding, supporting, or fronting the illegal operations—are identified and brought to justice.
The Minister emphasized that this firm stance is consistent with the government’s unwavering commitment to decisively prosecute anyone found to be contributing to the continuous decimation of the environment through illicit mining activities.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
