Amoakohene calls for review of NAIMOS operations over Manso Keniago deaths

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene has called for a review of the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), warning that its approach to the fight against illegal mining could affect the political fortunes of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the government needed to reassess its anti-galamsey strategy following the deaths recorded during a confrontation between NAIMOS personnel and residents of Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, November 14, 2026, Dr Amoakohene accused some political actors of encouraging the use of lethal force in anti-illegal mining operations and subsequently using the resulting deaths for political gain.

“They will push you to fight galamsey with lethal force, then turn around to make political gains out of it. These are the same people who are calling for a state of emergency,” he said.

His comments followed calls by the New Patriotic Party’s Director of Communications, Miracles Aboagye, for the government to account for the six deaths reported during the Manso Keniago confrontation.

Mr Aboagye had called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding each death, arguing that the victims should not automatically be classified as illegal miners or members of a group that confronted the task force.

Dr Amoakohene said NAIMOS needed to review its operational approach to prevent the anti-galamsey campaign from becoming a political liability for the NDC.

“NAIMOS and their operations must be reviewed before they send NDC back to opposition,” he said.

The Regional Minister also questioned calls for the government to adopt a more forceful approach to tackling illegal mining, including demands for a state of emergency.

He said he was increasingly agreeing with concerns previously expressed by former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), and Dr Ayew Afriyie about the government's handling of the anti-galamsey campaign.

“I am beginning to agree with NAPO and Dr Ayew on their remarks on the fight against illegal mining,” he said, inviting social media users to share a video of the remarks in the comments section of his post.

The Manso Keniago confrontation occurred on November 11, 2026, when NAIMOS personnel encountered resistance while transporting excavators seized during an anti-illegal mining operation.

NAIMOS has maintained that its personnel acted in self-defence after encountering an armed group attempting to obstruct the movement of the equipment. Residents and traditional authorities have disputed aspects of the Secretariat’s account.

Reports indicated that six people had died and 15 others were injured. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has also announced an investigation into the incident, although its initial statement cited four deaths and 15 injuries.