The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly condemned a mob attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) team in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, when a group of irate youth and alleged illegal miners attacked the NAIMOS team, destroying an operational vehicle and leaving the team shaken.
According to eyewitnesses, the NAIMOS team had gone to the area to conduct a reconnaissance mission and had identified some individuals engaged in alleged illegal mining activities.
The team attempted to arrest the suspects, but the situation escalated, and the mob attack ensued.
GNASSM, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, and released in Accra on Monday, November 3, 2025, described the attack as “unfortunate” and urged all parties to remain calm.
“We cannot stress enough that NAIMOS operates as a legitimate state institution, and its officers should not be targeted while discharging their lawful duties,” the statement read.
The association recalled the tragic incident in 2017, where an army officer, Major Mahama, was unlawfully attacked and killed by a mob.
“We urge the youth in all mining areas to direct any grievances or concerns regarding NAIMOS’s activities through their local leadership and appropriate legal channels for resolution,” the statement added.
GNASSM has, for the past month, been working closely with NAIMOS to educate miners on the operations of the anti-illegal mining taskforce and promote peaceful coexistence between miners and security personnel.
Worried about the situation, the association has called on the government to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into the incident, further urging it to take decisive action against those responsible.
“Such measures will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider taking similar lawless actions,” the statement emphasised.
