On the morning of Saturday, November 1st, 2025, the Ahafo Region of Ghana became the epicenter of a dramatic confrontation between law enforcement and illegal mining interests. What began as a routine reconnaissance mission for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) rapidly escalated into a high-stakes standoff, exposing the deep-rooted challenges facing Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.” The mission, led by NAIMOS Director of Operations Colonel Buah and backed by ten Ghanaian soldiers, was intended to identify a suitable site for the permanent deployment of a NAIMOS field task force. This move was part of the Secretariat’s strategic plan to intensify and sustain anti-illegal mining operations in the region. However, as the convoy traveled along the Goaso to Hwidiem highway, their attention was drawn to an excavator operating near Bronikrom. Upon closer inspection, the team discovered several individuals actively engaged in illegal mining along the roadside. The suspects were immediately apprehended, and, in an effort to halt further environmental destruction, the Director ordered them to refill the pits they had dug. It was then that the situation took an unexpected turn. The Director instructed one of the arrested men to contact the site owner. The first to arrive was a man claiming to represent Defence Intelligence from the Ahafo Region. He was quickly joined by another individual, Alex, who arrived in a Toyota RAV4 and arrogantly asserted ownership of the site. Shortly after, a third man, driving a Range Rover, appeared and was also detained. While securing the site, the NAIMOS task force set ablaze makeshift shelters used as offices by the illegal miners. A search of the suspects’ vehicles revealed a startling cache: a Smith and Wesson pistol, two magazines, 21 rounds of ammunition, 12 assorted mobile phones, a black side bag, 11,000 Ghana cedis in cash, a power bank, and a Lexus ignition key. The evidence suggested that the operation was not only illegal but potentially dangerous and well-financed. As arrangements were made to transfer the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the situation took a political twist. The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, arrived at the scene with a group of men. He claimed to be acting on behalf of Hon. Collins Dauda, the MP for the area, and demanded the immediate release of the arrested kingpins, including a Burkinabe national. He insisted the handcuffs be removed to spare the suspects embarrassment in front of locals. The NAIMOS Director refused, standing firm that all actions were lawful and that the suspects would be processed according to police procedures. Tensions quickly escalated as the MP and his entourage forcibly took the handcuff keys from a soldier, released the suspects, and began to chase the NAIMOS team en route to the police station. When the convoy arrived at Hwidiem Police Station, they were met by a crowd of approximately 600 people from the surrounding communities, incited by the MP to demand the suspects’ release and the return of seized vehicles. The mob’s threats were grave—they warned that soldiers would be “disciplined” if their demands were not met and even threatened to burn down the police station. Violence soon erupted. The Director’s Toyota Hilux was vandalized, and the threat of arson loomed over the police station. Despite appeals for calm, the volatility of the crowd placed immense strain on both the NAIMOS officials and police officers. In response to the crisis, Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, the Ahafo Regional Crime Officer, led a 15-member regional task force to reinforce local law enforcement. They were supported by other senior officers, including Divisional Commander Superintendent John Atanga and District Commander Superintendent Opoku Yamoah. Despite reinforcements, the situation remained volatile as darkness fell and a power outage further inflamed tensions. In a bid to avoid bloodshed, a joint decision was made by the police, military, and the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem, Alhaji Mohammed Bashiru Zarikyi, to release the keys to the seized vehicles and appease the crowd. The Zongo Chief personally offered his Toyota Sequoia 4×4 to evacuate Colonel Buah and his team to safety at the Newmont Site in Kenyase, escorted by police. During the escape, the Chief’s vehicle was attacked, its rear windscreen shattered, but fortunately, no injuries were sustained. Reflecting on the ordeal, Colonel Buah described the MPs’ interference as a serious obstruction of justice, warning that such actions undermined efforts to protect Ghana’s environment and enforce the law. He stressed that the fight against illegal mining must be supported by all citizens, especially those in positions of influence, rather than sabotaged by political interests. Thanks to the professionalism of the NAIMOS team and the Hwidiem/Ahafo Police, no lives were lost. NAIMOS remains undeterred, vowing to press on with its mission to protect Ghana’s waters and forests and restore order in the mining sector, no matter the obstacles encountered. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
