The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana, has condemned the recent violent attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) and other security personnel during an enforcement operation in the Asutifi North District.
In a statement, the Coalition described the incident, reportedly involving a sitting Member of Parliament who allegedly incited residents to confront state officials, as a “grave affront to national security, democratic governance, and the rule of law.”
The Coalition stressed that illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to devastate Ghana’s rivers, forests, and communities, and any attack on enforcement officers represents an attack on the state and the collective future of its citizens.
Calling for immediate accountability, the group urged President Akufo-Addo to publicly reaffirm his zero-tolerance stance against political interference in anti-galamsey efforts and to direct an independent investigation into the attack.
It also called for the prosecution of all perpetrators, regardless of political status, and for improved security protection for NAIMOS personnel operating in high-risk zones.
The Coalition further appealed to Parliament to initiate an internal disciplinary probe into the conduct of the implicated MP and to adopt a bipartisan resolution condemning violence against enforcement officers.
It also encouraged civil society, traditional leaders, the media, and citizens to speak out against impunity, stressing that silence would only embolden lawlessness and environmental destruction.
“The Republic must act firmly and transparently to protect its officers, safeguard its natural heritage, and defend the rule of law,” the statement added.
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