A bold move to curb illegal mining: Ghana’s armed forces and police take action.
In a coordinated effort, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched raids in various communities across the country, targeting those responsible for recent attacks on anti-illegal mining teams. This operation is a direct response to the escalating violence faced by officials and journalists working to combat illegal mining practices.
The raids, which began at dawn on November 12, 2025, focused on specific regions where these attacks occurred. Hwediem in the Ahafo Region and Dadwene in the Ashanti Region were among the targeted areas. These locations witnessed brutal incidents where teams from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were assaulted.
But here’s where it gets controversial… The army’s statement emphasized the need to arrest all perpetrators involved in these attacks. However, it also serves as a stern warning to anyone attempting to obstruct the security services in their anti-galamsey operations.
The statement reads, “Any individual or group that hinders our efforts will face the full extent of the law.”
These attacks have left a deep impact on those involved. Prof Nana Ama Klutse, CEO of the EPA, shared a harrowing account of an incident in the Ashanti Region. She explained how their team, accompanied by journalists, was attacked by illegal miners, resulting in a dangerous vehicle collision. Two journalists and several EPA staff members sustained severe injuries.
And this is the part most people miss… Days before this incident, a team of ten military officers from NAIMOS, led by their Director of Operations, faced a similar fate in the Ahafo Region. The NAIMOS team, while on an operation to arrest illegal miners, encountered a well-armed group, including a Burkinabe national. The situation escalated, and the team’s Director of Operations narrowly escaped, attributing his survival to divine intervention.
In the aftermath of these attacks, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service are taking a stand. Their joint operation aims to send a strong message: illegal mining and the violence that accompanies it will not be tolerated.
As the operation unfolds, the question arises: Will this bold action deter future attacks and bring peace to the affected communities?
What are your thoughts on this crucial issue? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a constructive discussion in the comments below.