Fatal Obuasi accident triggers review of NAIMOS operations

A fatal crash involving a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) team is prompting the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to reassess how the anti-galamsey task force operates.

The accident occurred late Wednesday on the Anyankyerim–Airport Road stretch in the Obuasi Municipality as officers were returning from an operation at a Mining and Construction Services Limited concession in Anyankyerim. The area has become increasingly volatile due to renewed incursions by illegal miners who claim the concession had been previously allocated to them.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the NAIMOS vehicle somersaulted several times before landing off the road, killing one officer instantly and leaving others severely injured.

Emergency responders rushed the injured to the Obuasi Government Hospital, from where they were transferred to the Anglogold Ashanti Hospital for further treatment.

Director of Public Relations at the Lands Ministry, Mawusi Ama Mawuenyefia, said the tragic incident has compelled authorities to consider a thorough review of NAIMOS’ operational methods.

“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,” she said on Citi Eyewitness News.

She added that Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the need to revisit the task force’s modus operandi during a meeting with officials earlier in the day.

The contested concession remains a flashpoint, with fresh tensions emerging after a widely circulated video showed Alhaji Zamba, the NDC Vice Chairman for Obuasi West, asserting ownership of the site. His claim has heightened political scrutiny and complicated efforts by security agencies to stabilise the area.

In a statement posted on X, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene described the incident as a “tragic loss” and extended condolences to the deceased officer’s family.

He noted that the Regional Security Council is coordinating with health personnel and security agencies to ensure the injured officers receive the best possible care. He added that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and to guide future interventions.

The development has also drawn reactions from journalists and anti-galamsey campaigners, including Joy News’ Erastus Asare Donkor, who described the day as a sad one for NAIMOS.

The Lands Ministry’s review aims to strengthen enforcement while ensuring the safety of personnel deployed to some of the most challenging illegal mining zones in the country.