The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has condemned a mob attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Bronikrom, close to Hwidiem in the Asutifi South Constituency of the Ahafo Region.
The incident, which happened on Saturday, November 1, 2025, involved a group of individuals who assaulted NAIMOS personnel while they were carrying out an anti-illegal mining operation in the area.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of GNASSM, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, GNASSM described the act as “unfortunate and unacceptable”, cautioning that such lawlessness undermines the rule of law and national security.
“GNASSM strongly condemns this unfortunate act in no uncertain terms and urges all parties to remain calm. NAIMOS operates as a legitimate state institution, and under no circumstances should its officers become targets of mob actions while discharging their lawful duties,” the statement said.
The Association also drew parallels to the 2017 killing of army officer Major Maxwell Mahama at Denkyira Obuasi, in Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, cautioning that violent confrontations with security operatives could have tragic consequences.
“We wish to remind all mining communities to take heed from the tragic precedent in 2017, when the unlawful attack on army officer Major Mahama resulted in his untimely death,” GNASSM warned. “We appeal to the youth in all mining areas to channel grievances through their local leadership and the appropriate legal channels for redress.”
GNASSM mentioned that it had been collaborating with NAIMOS over the past month on community sensitisation programmes to promote peaceful coexistence between small-scale miners and security task forces.
The Association appealed to the government to launch a full-scale investigation into the Hwidiem attack and ensure that those responsible face the law.
“We call on the government to take decisive action against anyone found responsible or complicit in the attack. Such measures will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider similar lawless actions,” the statement added.
GNASSM reiterated its commitment to lawful and sustainable mining, pledging continued cooperation with security agencies to eliminate illegal mining activities that endanger the environment and public safety.
By Benjamin Aidoo
