NAIMOS has rejected a report linking its personnel to the alleged shooting and death of a young man at Akyem Hemang in the Eastern Region.
The denial follows a publication by some media outlets on August 28, 2026, alleging that personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were involved in the incident.
In a statement dated Friday, August 28, NAIMOS said it had no operation in Akyem Hemang or the surrounding area at the time and that no personnel had been deployed there.
“NAIMOS wishes to state categorically that the allegation is false. The Secretariat did not conduct any operation at Akyem Hemang or within the area in question, and no NAIMOS personnel were deployed within that jurisdiction at the material time.”
The Secretariat said the allegation should have been verified before publication, warning that such claims could create unnecessary hostility between communities and security personnel and undermine efforts against illegal mining.
NAIMOS has called on the media outlets that carried the report to retract it, correct the record and issue an apology.
It also clarified that the presence of uniformed security personnel at a location does not automatically mean they are operating under NAIMOS.
“The mere presence of uniformed personnel at a location does not constitute a NAIMOS operation.”
NAIMOS said it remains committed to protecting Ghana’s water bodies, forests and lands from the effects of illegal mining and urged the media and public to verify information before publication or dissemination.
