This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.
Zeqblog Blog of Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Source: Okine Isaac
A routine operation to dismantle illegal mining sites turned into a deadly confrontation this week in the Bono Region, underscoring the severe and escalating risks facing the national fight against ‘galamsey’. A member of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force was shot and wounded after coming under fire from armed assailants.
The Incident:
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a NAIMOS task force was conducting a clampdown on illegal mining activities along the Subinkurom–Kyeremasu stretch in the Dormaa Central Municipality. The operation took a dangerous turn when the team was ambushed by armed individuals concealed in the surrounding bush.
Upon sighting the officers, the assailants opened fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire between the two groups.
Aftermath and Casualties:
During the confrontation, one NAIMOS officer sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh. He was promptly evacuated to the St. Matthew Catholic Hospital in Ampenkuro, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be responding positively to care.
In the ensuing gunfight, one of the attackers, identified as Abuu Ibrahim, was shot. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the same hospital.
Official Response and Reaffirmed Resolve:
NAIMOS has strongly condemned the brazen attack on its officers. In an official statement, the Secretariat reiterated its unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining, vowing that its operations will continue despite growing resistance and threats from armed groups.
The Secretariat also issued a call to action, urging all stakeholders and the public to continue supporting national efforts to curb the destructive and often violent scourge of illegal mining.
Why This Matters:
This incident highlights a troubling trend: the increasing militarization of illegal mining sites and the direct, violent challenges to state authority. It places a stark spotlight on the dangers law enforcement and regulatory bodies face on the front lines of environmental protection. The attack is a sobering reminder that the fight against galamsey is not only about protecting land and water resources but also about confronting organized and armed criminal networks.
Looking Ahead:
As NAIMOS reaffirms its operational mandate, this event raises critical questions about the level of security support for field teams and the broader strategy needed to dismantle the powerful syndicates behind these activities. The coming days will likely see intensified operations and calls for greater inter-agency collaboration to ensure the safety of personnel while sustaining the pressure on illegal mining networks.
