The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei Esq., has issued a stern caution to Members of Parliament (MPs) and appointees of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) operating in galamsey-prone areas, urging them to handle illegal mining issues with the utmost care and responsibility.
According to Mr. Adjei, the NDC’s recent electoral success was not the result of support from a few mining constituencies but rather from a collective national effort. He warned that mishandling the galamsey menace could have grave political repercussions and potentially drive the party back into opposition.
> “The NDC’s victory was not won in a few constituencies. If we fail to deal decisively and responsibly with illegal mining, we risk losing public trust and undoing the progress we’ve made,” he cautioned.
Mr. Adjei’s remarks follow a violent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force at Ahafo Hwediem, which he described as “uncalled for and completely unacceptable.”
He expressed deep disappointment that no arrests have been made so far, despite reports alleging the involvement of two sitting MPs in orchestrating the assault. He called on the Ghana Police Service to act swiftly and bring all perpetrators to justice, regardless of their political affiliations.
Background: Tensions Rise After Attack on Anti-Galamsey Task Force
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), accompanied by ten soldiers, embarked on a reconnaissance mission in the Ahafo Region. The mission aimed to identify a strategic site for the permanent deployment of a field task force as part of efforts to sustain anti-galamsey operations nationwide.
While travelling along the Goaso–Hwidiem highway, the team spotted an excavator actively engaged in mining near Bronikrom. The officers diverted to the site and arrested several individuals caught in the act. The suspects were ordered to refill the pits they had dug to curb further environmental degradation.
When the Director instructed the suspects to call the site owner, a man claiming to be a Defence Intelligence (DI) representative from the Ahafo Region appeared. Moments later, another individual—identified as Alex, who arrived in a Toyota RAV4—asserted ownership of the site. A third man, arriving in a Range Rover, was also arrested. The NAIMOS team subsequently set ablaze makeshift structures used as offices and shelters by the illegal miners.
A search of the suspects’ vehicles uncovered alarming items, including:
One Smith & Wesson pistol
Two pistol magazines and 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition
Twelve assorted mobile phones
₵11,000 in cash
One power bank, a black side bag, and a Lexus ignition key
As preparations were being made to transport the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the MP for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, arrived at the scene accompanied by several thugs. He reportedly claimed to be acting on behalf of Hon. Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South, and demanded that the arrested individuals including a Burkinabe national be released immediately.
The MP allegedly argued that he did not want locals to see the suspects in handcuffs. However, the Director of Operations refused the request, insisting that the arrests were lawful and that due process must be followed.
Tensions quickly escalated when the MP and his entourage forcibly seized the handcuff keys from one of the soldiers, freed the arrested miners, and then pursued the NAIMOS team as they made their way to the police station.
Upon arrival at the Hwidiem Police Station, a mob of about 600 people believed to have been mobilized from Hwidiem and nearby communities besieged the premises. The crowd, reportedly incited by Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, demanded the immediate release of the suspects and the seized vehicles.
Witnesses say the mob issued threats to “discipline” the soldiers if their demands were not met. The situation rapidly spiraled out of control: the Director of Operations’ Toyota Hilux pickup was vandalized, and the mob threatened to burn down the police station despite pleas for calm.
Following a distress call, Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, Ahafo Regional Crime Officer, led a 15-member regional task force headed by Inspector Ofosu to reinforce the local police. They were joined by Superintendent John Atanga, Divisional Commander for Goaso, Superintendent Opoku Yamoah, District Commander for Kenyase, and other senior officers.
Their timely intervention prevented what could have been a major security crisis. Authorities are yet to confirm whether any arrests have been made in connection with the attack.
Mr. Adjei reiterated his call for discipline, urging NDC officials to dissociate themselves from any form of illegal mining or interference in law enforcement activities.
> “No individual, regardless of political status, is above the law. Our fight against galamsey must be collective and uncompromised,” he stressed.
He warned that shielding illegal miners or obstructing justice would only erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s environment and future.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku