Two personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have sustained gunshot wounds following a confrontation with an armed mob during an anti-illegal mining operation at Manso Keniago in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while the NAIMOS Task Force was transporting excavators seized during an operation to a designated location for safekeeping.
According to a statement issued by NAIMOS, the personnel encountered an armed mob that attempted to obstruct the movement of the seized equipment.
The Secretariat said its personnel, faced with the hostile situation, fired warning shots in an attempt to deter the mob and prevent further escalation of the confrontation.
“Faced with the hostile situation, the NAIMOS personnel fired warning shots in an attempt to deter the mob and prevent a further escalation of the confrontation. Unfortunately, two personnel sustained gunshot wounds in the incident.”
NAIMOS has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an act of aggression, while cautioning individuals and groups against obstructing its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
“The Secretariat reiterates that attacks, threats, and other forms of violent resistance against its operations are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the statement signed by the Secretariat’s Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, emphasised.
Despite the incident, the Secretariat said it remains resolute in its mandate to combat illegal mining and will continue to undertake lawful enforcement operations across the country, despite acts of intimidation and resistance.
