Manso Keniago: 3 reported dead, 13 injured after community members clashed with NAIMOS over seizure of illegal mining equipment.
Three people have reportedly died following a confrontation between community members at Manso Keniago in the Ashanti region, illegal miners and personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
NAIMOS personnel are in the Manso area of the Ashanti Region as part of an operation this week.
A number of excavators and changfang machines have been confiscated.
As part of an operation to move the seized excavators out of the Manso Keniago area on Wednesday afternoon, some community members reportedly prevented them from doing so.
In the ensuing confrontation, there was an exchange of gunfire resulting in injuries and the death.
Graphic Online gathers that as of 6pm, three people had died.
In a press statement [attached below] NAIMOS explained what happened
Two personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have sustained injuries following a confrontation with an armed mob during an anti-illegal mining operation at Manso Keniago in the Amansie South District in the Ashanti Region, today 11t November 2026.
The incident occurred while the NAIMOS Task Force was transporting excavators seized during the operation to a designated location for safekeeping.
In the course of the exercise, the personnel encountered an armed mob that attempted to forcibly obstruct the lawful movement of the seized equipment.
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 strongly condemns this act of aggression and cautions individuals and groups against obstructing its personnel in the lawful 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.
NAIMOS 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.
