Manso Adubia NDC executives demand NAIMOS withdrawal pending probe into Manso Kaniago deaths

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives in the Manso Adubia Constituency are demanding the immediate withdrawal of operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) from the constituency pending an independent investigation.

The call follows the fatal shooting incident at Manso Kaniago on Tuesday, 10th November 2026, which has claimed six lives, with 13 others injured.

In a press statement signed by Constituency Secretary Samuel Asante, the executives said the circumstances surrounding the incident require an impartial probe.

According to the statement, eyewitness accounts indicate that NAIMOS operatives were allegedly moving a seized excavator directly on the tarred government road through Manso Kaniago instead of using a low-bed trailer.

The Chief of Manso Kaniago, Nana Obeng Mensah Ababio, and some residents reportedly approached the operatives to caution them that the action could damage the public road.

The executives say what began as a concern over the protection of public infrastructure reportedly escalated into gunfire.

"Since when has expressing concern about the possible destruction of a government road become a justification for the use of firearms against civilians?" the statement questioned.

But NAIMOS, in an earlier statement, said its personnel acted in self-defence.

The executives insist an independent investigation must establish whether the use of force was lawful, identify those responsible, and determine accountability.

They also want the probe to extend beyond Manso Kaniago to previously reported violent confrontations in Akwasiso, Tontokrom, Nyankomase and other mining communities within the constituency, to ascertain if there is a pattern of misconduct and excessive use of force.

In addition, the executives are calling for an independent investigation into allegations of extortion against some NAIMOS operatives and individuals associated with other security agencies.

According to complaints cited in the statement, some miners are allegedly being asked to pay GH₵200,000 or more per excavator before seized equipment is released.

"Who authorises these alleged payments? Who receives the money? Are official receipts issued?" they asked.

While demanding accountability, the executives emphasized that they support the government's fight against illegal mining but insist it must be done lawfully.

Pending the outcome of the independent investigation, they have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw NAIMOS operatives from the constituency and replace them with a temporary, lawful and accountable alternative security arrangement to maintain order and protect residents.

"We are not asking you to abandon the fight against illegal mining. We are asking you to protect its credibility," the statement said.

They warned that continued silence and inaction could erode public confidence and make it difficult for them to defend the government at the grassroots.