The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MEST), Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has strongly condemned recent attacks on anti-illegal mining task forces in parts of the country, describing them as “an affront to state authority and a criminal act against the Republic.”
His comments follow the violent incident involving the National Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region and a separate attack on officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) near Obuasi.
Addressing the media in Accra on Friday, November 7, the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ama Mawusi, conveyed the Minister’s message on the two incidents, stating, “he was deeply disappointed”.
“Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah wishes to convey his utmost disappointment in these incidents. He wishes to make it clear that he remains resolute and unperturbed in his resolve to deal with the matter at hand.”
She reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal mining, warning that anyone who obstructs or attacks state security officers in the line of duty will face severe consequences.
“That said, the Ministry wishes to make it clear that illegal mining is a criminal act! Any attempt to obstruct or attack law enforcement officers engaged in anti-galamsey operations is therefore deemed an offence against the state, and anyone found culpable will be severely dealt with, no matter their political, social, or traditional status.
Ama Mawusi further stressed that the twin incidents would not deter the government from its mission to protect the country’s natural environment.
“Our commitment to protect Ghana’s lands, rivers, forests, and communities is stronger than ever. The recent events will not slow us down; they have only strengthened our determination. Illegal mining must stop. Ghana must win this fight,” she warned.
Giving a detailed account of the attack on NAIMOS officials at Hwidiem, Ama Mawusi narrated that the NAIMOS team, led by Director of Operations Colonel Dominic Buah, was conducting reconnaissance at Bonikrom, near Goaso, when it intercepted ongoing illegal mining activities just 10 metres from the Hwidiem–Goaso highway.
“The illegal miners reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the team, leaving behind a Burkinabe national operating an excavator. The suspect was instructed to refill the pits and contact the site owner. While the task force destroyed makeshift shelters at the site, three individuals arrived — one claiming to be a Defence Intelligence officer — and were subsequently searched.
“The search uncovered a Smith & Wesson pistol, two magazines, 21 rounds of ammunition, ₵11,000 in cash, and 12 assorted mobile phones,” she said.
According to her, while arrangements were underway to transport the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, a mob stormed the scene, demanding their release. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in the vandalism of Colonel Buah’s Toyota Hilux pickup. Reinforcements from a neighbouring police station were later deployed to rescue the NAIMOS team.
She indicated that the police, in consultation with local leaders, including the Zongo Chief, released the seized vehicle keys to their owners and evacuated the NAIMOS officers to safety at the Newmont Site in Kenyase under police escort.
She said they had immediately notified the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior of urgent investigations, while the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over the case to ensure impartiality.
Source: CNR
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