The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly condemned a mob attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Bronikrom, a community near Hwidiem in the Asutifi South Constituency of the Ahafo Region.
According to the GNASSM, the incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, when a group of individuals allegedly assaulted members of NAIMOS, a state security agency mandated to support the government’s campaign against illegal mining.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, the GNASSM described the incident as “an unfortunate and unacceptable act,” warning that such behaviour posed a grave threat to the rule of law and national security.
“GNASSM strongly condemns this unfortunate act in no uncertain terms and urges all parties to remain calm. It is important to stress that 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 read.
The Association reminded the public of the tragic 2017 incident that led to the death of army officer Major Maxwell Mahama, warning that violent confrontations with security officers could have dire consequences.
“We wish to remind all mining communities to take heed from a tragic precedent in 2017, when the unlawful attack on army officer Major Mahama resulted in his untimely death. GNASSM therefore appeals to 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 cautioned.
The GNASSM revealed that it had been working closely with NAIMOS over the past month to undertake sensitisation programmes aimed at educating miners on the taskforce’s operations and promoting peaceful coexistence between security personnel and small-scale miners.
The Association also called on the government to launch an immediate investigation into the Hwidiem attack and bring those responsible to justice. “We call on government to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into this incident and 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 taking similar lawless actions,” the statement urged.
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners reiterated its commitment to supporting lawful and sustainable mining practices and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to rid the industry of illegal operations that threaten the environment and public safety.
