The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly criticised the violent assault on personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The clash occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, when a group of agitated youth — believed to include illegal miners — reportedly attacked a NAIMOS team, vandalised their vehicle, and obstructed their mission in the area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the NAIMOS officers were in Hwidiem to conduct preliminary investigations following intelligence reports about illegal mining operations in the locality. Tensions escalated after the task force moved to apprehend suspects, resulting in a confrontation that turned violent.
In a statement released in Accra on Monday, November 3, 2025, and signed by GNASSM’s General Secretary, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, the association described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
“We cannot stress enough that NAIMOS operates as a legitimate state institution, and its officers should not be targeted while discharging their lawful duties,” the statement said.
GNASSM further referenced the tragic 2017 killing of Major Maxwell Mahama, cautioning against a repeat of such acts of vigilantism and threatening violence.
The association urged young people in mining communities to adopt lawful channels in expressing discontent over NAIMOS operations.
“We urge the youth in all mining communities to channel their grievances or concerns regarding NAIMOS’s activities through local leadership and proper legal channels,” the association advised.
GNASSM noted that it has been working closely with NAIMOS over the past month to sensitise small-scale miners about the task force’s mandate, fostering cooperation and peaceful engagement between miners and security authorities.
Deeply concerned about the Hwidiem incident, the association called for an immediate probe and prosecution of those responsible.
“Such measures will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider taking similar lawless actions,” the statement emphasised.
Reaffirming its commitment to the national campaign against illegal mining (galamsey), GNASSM maintained that it will continue supporting government efforts while ensuring legitimate small-scale operators remain compliant and responsible in their practices.
