Lands Ministry to review NAIMOS operations after tragic accident

The Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mawusi Ama Mawuenyefia, has hinted at a possible review of the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

This comes in the wake of a tragic accident involving a NAIMOS team, which resulted in the death of a military officer. Four other officers, who sustained critical injuries, were initially treated at the Obuasi Government Hospital before being transferred to the Anglogold Obuasi Hospital for further care.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, November 20, Ms. Mawuenyefia revealed that Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has indicated the need to reassess NAIMOS’ mode of operations, especially following the unfortunate incident.

“The Minister has mentioned that we are going to look at it. We are going to review. For now, the cause is an accident; we do not suspect any foul play. Today, when the Minister met with the team, he mentioned that we probably need to review the modus operandi, so that is going to be done,” she stated.

The accident occurred on Wednesday, November 19, while the NAIMOS team was returning to Obuasi after an operation at a concession in Anyankyerim. The concession, which belongs to Mining and Construction Services Limited, has been overrun by illegal miners.

Eyewitnesses reported that the team’s vehicle somersaulted between the Anyankyerim community and the Airport Road.

The contested concession has become the centre of controversy after some illegal miners claimed it was allocated to them by the NDC government. Citi News checks suggest that the miners have backing from some influential political figures.

One such individual, the NDC Vice Chairman for the Obuasi West Constituency, Alhaji Zamba, has publicly claimed ownership of the concession in a widely circulated video on social media.