Galamsey Crisis: Prof Abavare Blames Mahama’s Inaction for NAIMOS Officer’s Death
Prof. Abavare urges President Mahama to impose a temporary ban on mining after NAIMOS officer dies in a crash
- NAIMOS officer dies and four others critically injured in vehicle crash during anti-galamsey operation
- Prof. Abavare blames President Mahama’s inaction and calls for a temporary ban on mining in affected areas
- Illegal mining’s broader impact includes contaminated water, schoolchildren involvement
Prof. Eric Abavare, President of the KNUST branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-KNUST), has urged President John Dramani Mahama to enforce an immediate temporary ban on mining in galamsey-affected areas following the death of a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) officer.
The officer was confirmed dead after his team’s vehicle was involved in a fatal crash on the night of Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Four other military officers sustained critical injuries and were first taken to the Obuasi Government Hospital before being referred to Anglogold Obuasi Hospital for further treatment.
The accident occurred as the team returned from an operation in Anyankyerim, a concession reportedly overtaken by illegal miners. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle somersaulted between the Anyankyerim community and Airport Road.
Reacting on Facebook on Thursday, November 20, Prof. Abavare lamented the repeated loss of lives in the fight against illegal mining, criticizing what he described as the government’s failure to act decisively.
“Someone’s son, brother, uncle, father … A breadwinner has been lost again while Ghanaians are still reeling from the death of Major Maxwell Mahama and eight other officials. This happens because of a few greedy, selfish nation-wreckers, and yet we helplessly look on,” he wrote.
Prof. Abavare condemned the President’s inaction, insisting that frontline officers should not pay the ultimate price for the state’s failure to curb galamsey. “Mr President, this cannot continue. I hope it is not your intention to sacrifice our men by refusing to call a temporary ban in these galamsey-affected areas,” he said.
He also highlighted the wider consequences of illegal mining, including schoolchildren’s involvement in galamsey, illnesses from contaminated water, the shutdown of the Kwayanko water treatment plant, and Ghana Water’s consideration of sourcing water from an Anglogold mine pit for Tarkwa due to the destruction of the Bonsa River.
“In spite of these glaring events of suffering, if Mr President still thinks otherwise, then may God save Ghana,” Prof. Abavare lamented.
