More than 300 men have been arrested following a joint military and police operation in the Ashanti Region targeting suspects linked to the recent attack on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The swoop was carried out in three communities—Anwona, Nhyieaso, and Dadwen—all near Obuasi. The suspects were transported to the Patasi Police Depot for further screening and investigation.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the exercise forms part of an intelligence-led operation to apprehend individuals involved in the assault on the NAIMOS task force, which included police officers, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and journalists who were attacked while on duty.
Speaking to the media, COP Dr. Sayibu Gariba, Director-General in charge of Technical at the Ghana Police Service, said the operation, which began on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, seeks to ensure that anyone obstructing security operations or engaging in illegal mining faces prosecution.
He stressed that the security services remain committed to enforcing the law and protecting officers carrying out their mandates.
Residents have been advised to stay calm and go about their normal activities, as the ongoing operation is intended to strengthen public safety rather than cause alarm.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson