Ghana Lands Ministry Confirms: Illegal Miners Attack EPA Officers and Journalists, Causing Accident Near Obuasi

Introduction

In a shocking escalation of tensions surrounding illegal mining operations in Ghana, known locally as galamsey, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has officially confirmed that an attack by unlawful miners triggered a road accident injuring several Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officers and journalists. This incident unfolded near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, highlighting the perilous challenges faced by enforcement teams combating galamsey activities.

The event, which occurred on Thursday, November 6, 2025, underscores the growing violence linked to unregulated small-scale mining. Galamsey, a term derived from “gather them and sell,” refers to informal gold mining practices that often disregard environmental regulations, leading to widespread deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. As Ghana intensifies its anti-galamsey operations, such confrontations reveal the high stakes involved in protecting natural resources. This article provides a detailed, pedagogical breakdown of the incident, its context, and broader implications for environmental enforcement in Ghana.

Analysis

The core of this incident stems from routine enforcement actions against unlicensed mining operations. A joint team comprising EPA officers and accompanying journalists was conducting inspections in Dadwene, a community near Obuasi, to identify and shut down illegal mining sites using unauthorized machinery and producing unregulated equipment.

The Sequence of Events

During the operation, galamsey operators ambushed the team. According to Ama Mawuse, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the miners pelted stones at the group, forcing them to flee for safety via an alternative route. This chaotic escape led directly to a vehicle accident, resulting in multiple injuries.

Five journalists were among the injured, including a Channel One TV reporter who sustained severe injuries requiring surgery. Initially, two journalists were in critical condition, but medical updates confirmed their stabilization. This sequence illustrates how direct assaults on officials can cascade into secondary hazards like traffic accidents during evasion.

Context of Galamsey in Ghana

Galamsey has long plagued Ghana’s mining sector, contributing to environmental catastrophe. These operations use rudimentary methods, including mercury amalgamation, which contaminates rivers like the Pra and Ankobra, affecting drinking water for millions. The government’s renewed crackdown, involving task forces like the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), aims to reclaim polluted lands and enforce the Minerals and Mining Act.

Summary

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources clarified that an assault by illegal miners near Obuasi prompted EPA officers and journalists to flee, culminating in an accident on November 6, 2025. Several individuals, primarily journalists, suffered injuries, with two initially critical but now stable. Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Armah-Kofi Buah, expressed dismay while reaffirming commitment to curbing galamsey. Separately, NAIMOS arrested a Chinese national in the Eastern Region for illegal mining, handed over to immigration authorities.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For journalists, EPA officers, and enforcement teams operating in high-risk galamsey zones, proactive safety measures are essential. Here’s pedagogical guidance based on standard protocols for such operations in Ghana:

Safety Protocols for Field Operations

• Pre-Operation Planning: Conduct risk assessments, including intelligence on active galamsey sites. Coordinate with local police for armed escorts.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use helmets, vests, and shields against projectiles like stones.
• Communication Tools: Equip teams with satellite phones and GPS for real-time tracking during escapes.
• Media Accompaniment: Limit journalist numbers and provide them with safety briefings; designate safe zones for filming.
• Post-Incident Response: Ensure immediate medical evacuation and report to NAIMOS for follow-up investigations.

Communities near mining areas should report suspicious activities via hotlines like the Ministry’s anti-galamsey reporting lines, fostering collaborative enforcement.

Points of Caution

Engaging in anti-galamsey operations carries inherent risks, as demonstrated by this Obuasi incident. Key cautions include:

Immediate Threats

• Violent Resistance: Galamsey operators, often armed with improvised weapons, may ambush teams to protect lucrative sites.
• Secondary Dangers: Fleeing through unfamiliar terrain increases accident risks, as seen in the vehicle collision.
• Health Hazards: Exposure to toxic chemicals like mercury during raids can cause long-term health issues.
• Social Backlash: Operations may displace livelihoods, leading to community resentment and further violence.

Stakeholders must balance enforcement with alternative livelihood programs, such as formal small-scale mining cooperatives, to mitigate these risks.

Comparison

This incident mirrors previous galamsey-related violence in Ghana. For instance, in 2024, similar attacks on EPA teams in the Western Region resulted in officer injuries and equipment destruction. Unlike those cases, where direct confrontations led to arrests on-site, the Obuasi event involved an indirect accident, emphasizing evasion tactics.

Trends in Anti-Galamsey Violence

These comparisons reveal a pattern: rising aggression as operations intensify, with 2025 seeing more media involvement, amplifying public awareness.

Legal Implications

Illegal mining in Ghana violates the Minerals and Mining (Local Content and Participation) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2421), and the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 528). Assaults on officials contravene the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), specifically Sections 200-202 on unlawful assembly and violence.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Galamsey Operators: Face equipment seizure, site reclamation orders, and fines up to GH¢ 1 million or imprisonment.
• Foreign Nationals: As in the NAIMOS arrest of a Chinese national, deportation follows under Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
• Assault Cases: Perpetrators risk 5-15 years imprisonment; investigations into Obuasi attackers are ongoing.

The government can invoke emergency powers under the Minerals Commission Act for swift action, ensuring accountability while protecting enforcers.

Conclusion

The confirmed galamsey attack near Obuasi exemplifies the fierce resistance to Ghana’s anti-illegal mining campaign, injuring dedicated EPA officers and journalists in a tragic accident. While the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through spokespersons like Ama Mawuse and Minister Armah-Kofi Buah, vows unwavering resolve, this event calls for enhanced security and sustainable alternatives to galamsey. By educating on risks, enforcing laws rigorously, and supporting formal mining, Ghana can safeguard its environment and personnel. Stay informed on anti-galamsey operations in Ashanti Region to support these vital efforts.

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