The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced the death of a member of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce following a fatal road accident near the Obuasi Airport enclave on Thursday.
According to an official statement from the Ministry’s Communications Directorate, a five-member NAIMOS operational team was undertaking a major anti-galamsey assignment when their vehicle was involved in what authorities described as a “fatal motor accident”.
The operation formed part of intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the Obuasi area, one of the zones heavily affected by environmentally destructive pit-mining practices. the Ministry said.
“One member of the taskforce has been confirmed dead, while the remaining four sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical care. The identity of the deceased is yet to be officially disclosed, pending family notification,” the Ministry said.
The sector minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending “profound sympathies to the family of our fallen colleague” and wishing the injured officers a speedy recovery. Officials described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks frontline operatives face while working to protect the country’s natural resources.
The Ministry has launched a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash, promising a thorough review aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. It further assured that it remains “steadfast in safeguarding the welfare of all frontline personnel” and will ensure that all affected officers and their families “receive the utmost support and care.”
The accident comes at a time when the government has intensified anti-galamsey measures across several mining hotspots.
Taskforce operations typically involve surveillance, tracking of illegal mining sites, and coordinated enforcement activities with partner agencies, often under difficult and high-risk conditions.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to combatting illegal mining, describing the work of NAIMOS operatives as critical to protecting river bodies, forest reserves, farmlands, and communities threatened by the scourge of unregulated mining.
