The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners’ Association has called on President John Dramani Mahama to order an independent investigation into the killing of three people at Manso Keniago in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.

The association is demanding an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly allegations involving members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

In a press statement dated November 12, 2026, the association said it was "deeply saddened and alarmed" by the incident and called for an impartial investigation to establish the facts.

"We are particularly concerned about allegations involving some members of the special forces operating under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)," it stated.

It wants an independent investigative committee to examine the conduct of the officers involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable under the law.

The association also disputed the circumstances surrounding the operation, saying the incident reportedly occurred within the Manso Keniago community and not at a designated mining site.

It argued that "the mere ownership or possession of an excavator is not, in itself, a criminal offence under Ghanaian law".

It added that law enforcement operations must be guided by the law, proper procedures and respect for citizens' fundamental rights.

Although it acknowledged the importance of the government's fight against illegal mining, the association warned that the alleged conduct of some task force personnel could undermine NAIMOS' credibility.

It further criticised the use of a "shoot-to-kill approach," arguing that previous governments had adopted similar hardline measures without achieving the desired results.

"Such actions risk escalating tensions, undermining public confidence in state institutions and resulting in the needless loss of innocent lives," it said.

The association insisted that the deaths should not be treated as an ordinary operational incident.

"The killing of citizens must not be treated as an ordinary operational incident. Where there are allegations of unlawful use of force resulting in death, the matter must be treated as a serious criminal and human rights concern, subject to an independent investigation and appropriate legal action," the statement added.

The association outlined five demands: immediate presidential intervention, an independent investigative committee, accountability for officers found to have acted unlawfully, a review of NAIMOS operational procedures and the protection of citizens' constitutional rights.

It appealed directly to President Mahama to act swiftly, warning that failure to address the incident could create broader public resentment against the government.

"The fight against illegal mining must not become a fight against innocent citizens," it said.

The statement was signed by Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners’ Association, Ghana.