The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has strongly condemned recent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by illegal miners in separate incidents in the Ahafo and Ashanti Regions.

In a press briefing held on Friday, November 7, 2025, Director of Communications at the Ministry, Mawusi Ama Mawuenyefia has described the incidents as “an affront to state authority” and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining across the country.

According to her, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, a ten-member NAIMOS team led by the Director of Operations, Colonel Dominic Buah, was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Goaso, Ahafo Region, to identify a suitable site for a permanent operational base.

While returning from the exercise, the team encountered an active illegal mining operation at Bonikrom, about ten metres from the Hwidiem–Goaso highway. The miners fled upon seeing the task force, leaving behind a Burkinabe national operating an excavator. Colonel Buah instructed the suspect to refill the mined pits to prevent further environmental damage and to contact the site owner.

During the operation, the NAIMOS team set ablaze structures used by the miners as offices and shelters. Shortly after, three individuals arrived at the scene, one identifying himself as a Defence Intelligence officer and two others claiming ownership of the site.

A search on the suspects uncovered a Smith & Wesson pistol, two magazines, 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a black side bag, 12 assorted mobile phones, a power bank, and Gh₵11,000 in cash.

While arrangements were underway to convey the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, a mob besieged the scene, demanding their release. The situation escalated, forcing the police to call for reinforcement to protect the NAIMOS team and prevent a possible attack on the police station.

During the standoff, Colonel Buah’s Toyota Hilux pickup was vandalized, creating a tense atmosphere that endangered both personnel and property.

The Ministry has commended the swift response of Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, Ahafo Regional Crime Officer, and the Regional Task Force, supported by senior officers including Superintendents John Atanga and Opoku Yamoah. In the interest of peace, and to avert further violence, the police, military, and local leaders, including the Zongo Chief, intervened, facilitating the safe evacuation of Colonel Buah and his team to the Newmont Site in Kenyase under police escort.

Following the incident, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, immediately reported the matter to 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 professionalism and impartiality.

In a related development, the Ministry also confirmed that an EPA team led by the Executive Officer Prof. Browne Kluste was involved in a motor accident at Afari in the Ashanti Region after being chased by illegal miners at Dadwene near Obuasi. Two journalists sustained critical injuries, while several others were hurt in the attack.

The EPA team had been intensifying efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations and had recently shut down several warehouses involved in the manufacture of galamsey equipment.

Meanwhile, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), expressed disappointment over the recent acts of violence, describing them as “unacceptable and criminal.”

“Illegal mining is a crime. Any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers engaged in anti-galamsey operations is an offence against the state.

All those found culpable will face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their political, social, or traditional standing,” he stated.

Mawusi Ama Mawuenyefia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s lands, rivers, and forests, noting that the recent attacks will not deter the ongoing fight against illegal mining.

“Our resolve remains firm.

These incidents will not slow us down; they have only strengthened our determination. Illegal mining must stop. Ghana must win this fight,” the Ministry emphasised.