Lands Minister condemns attack on anti-illegal mining task force

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has condemned in strong terms the recent attack on personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during an operation at Bronikrom near Hwediem in the Ahafo Region.

The incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In response to the attack, Minister Buah has engaged the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior to initiate a full-scale investigation into the incident.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that all individuals involved in the assault—and those who facilitate illegal mining activities—are brought to justice.

The Minister reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources and restore degraded lands.

The ongoing NAIMOS operations, he explained, form part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining, which continues to endanger water bodies, farmlands, and communities across the country.

Authorities have launched a detailed probe to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has called on the public, especially residents of the affected area, to assist law enforcement with any relevant information.

Minister Buah assured Ghanaians that the government will take decisive and lawful action to protect both its citizens and the nation’s environment from further harm.

"No one has the right to attack state officials enforcing the law,” he emphasized.

“We will not relent in our mission to safeguard Ghana’s natural heritage.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith