The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has paid glowing tribute to Lance Corporal Collins Agyapong Safo, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) soldier who died in the line of duty during an operation in Obuasi.

Lance Corporal Safo, who held the rank of Private at the time of his death, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, following an accident during a sanctioned NAIMOS operation against illegal mining activities.

Addressing mourners at a burial service held on Friday, December 19, at the Arakan Presbyterian/Methodist Church at Burma Camp, the Lands Minister expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the loss as deeply painful for the nation.

He said the passing of the young soldier remains a heavy blow to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the country at large.

The Minister pledged that the government would continue to intensify the fight against illegal mining in honour of Lance Corporal Safo and other security personnel who have lost their lives in the national effort to combat galamsey.

Also paying tribute, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, described the late soldier as affable, disciplined and full of life.

In an emotional tribute, Colonel Buah said he personally trained Collins and was pleased that their paths crossed again when the young soldier was deployed to join NAIMOS operations.

He assured that, despite the grief, the Secretariat would remain resolute in its mission and continue to intensify efforts against what he described as environmental terrorism, in honour of the fallen officer.

During the burial service, the military command announced the posthumous promotion of Collins Agyapong Safo from Private to Lance Corporal. According to the military, he had already met the requirements for promotion before his death.

The government also made an undisclosed donation to the family as a token of commiseration in recognition of the late soldier, who, according to his colleagues, showed great promise and dedication to duty.