Lands Ministry to Review NAIMOS Operations After Fatal Obuasi Accident
One officer dies, four others injured after NAIMOS vehicle overturns in Obuasi
- One military officer dies, four others critically injured in NAIMOS vehicle accident
- Lands Ministry to review NAIMOS operations to strengthen anti-galamsey efforts
- Accident occurred while returning from an operation at a contested Anyankyerim concession
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is considering a review of the operational approach of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a military officer.
Mawusi Ama Mawuenyefia, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry, disclosed that the move forms part of broader efforts to reinforce the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 19, involved a NAIMOS team returning from an operation at a concession in Anyankyerim. Their vehicle reportedly somersaulted along the stretch between the Anyankyerim community and Airport Road. One officer died, while four others sustained severe injuries. The injured personnel were initially taken to the Obuasi Government Hospital before being transferred to the Anglogold Obuasi Hospital for advanced treatment.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, November 20, Ms. Mawuenyefia noted that Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has emphasized the need to reassess NAIMOS’ operations in light of the incident.
“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. Today, when the Minister met with the team, he mentioned that we probably need to review the modus operandi, so that is going to be done,” she said.
The concession where the NAIMOS team had conducted operations belongs to Mining and Construction Services Limited but has been overtaken by illegal miners. The site has recently sparked controversy, with some illegal miners claiming it was allocated to them by the previous NDC government. Citi News investigations indicate these miners may have backing from influential political actors.
Among them is the NDC Vice Chairman for the Obuasi West Constituency, Alhaji Zamba, who has publicly asserted ownership of the concession in a viral social media video.
