The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly condemned the mob attack on a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) team in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region.

The incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, when a group of irate youth and alleged illegal miners attacked the NAIMOS team, destroying an operational vehicle and leaving the officers shaken.

Eyewitnesses said the NAIMOS team had gone to the area to conduct a reconnaissance mission and had identified individuals engaged in alleged illegal mining activities.

When the team attempted to make arrests, the situation escalated into a mob attack.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, and released in Accra on Monday, November 3, GNASSM described the attack as “unfortunate” and urged all parties to remain calm.

“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 read.

The association recalled a similar tragic incident in 2017, when an army officer, Major Mahama, was unlawfully attacked and killed by a mob.

“We urge the youth in all mining areas to direct any grievances or concerns regarding NAIMOS’s activities through their local leadership and appropriate legal channels for resolution,” the statement added.

GNASSM noted that it has been working closely with NAIMOS over the past month to educate miners on the operations of the anti-illegal mining taskforce and promote peaceful coexistence between miners and security personnel.

Expressing concern over the latest incident, the association called on the government to launch a prompt and thorough investigation and urged decisive action against those responsible.

“Such measures will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider taking similar lawless actions,” the statement emphasised.