The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has strongly condemned the violent attack on personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during an operation at Bronikrom near Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, involved a group of illegal miners who allegedly clashed with the NAIMOS taskforce after arrests were made at an illegal mining site. Reports indicated that firearms, ammunition, and unregistered vehicles were retrieved during the operation.
In a statement issued by the Ministry on Monday, November 3, Mr. Buah described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance stance on acts that obstruct the fight against illegal mining.
“The Minister has held meetings with the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior for the conduct of swift and rigorous investigations into the unfortunate circumstances,” the statement noted.
The Minister emphasized that those who aid or instigate violence against law enforcement officials performing their duties will not be spared.
He added that the government remains committed to protecting the country’s natural resources and ensuring that those engaged in illegal mining activities face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over the investigation into the attack.
The Asutifi North Member of Parliament, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, who has been linked to the incident, has since denied any wrongdoing, claiming he only intervened to help de-escalate tensions at the scene.
Read below the statement
