Soldier gunned down at NDC Chairman’s galamsey site

A soldier with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been confirmed dead, with four other officers critically injured, following a violent confrontation at a disputed mining concession in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night as the task force returned from a high-risk operation at Anyankyerim — a site now at the centre of a politically charged galamsey battle.

Initial reports indicated that the officers were victims of a fatal road accident.

However, fresh accounts from security sources and community witnesses suggest the team may have come under fire while withdrawing from the concession, triggering panic and chaos that culminated in the deadly crash along the Anyankyerim–Airport Road stretch.

The vehicle reportedly somersaulted multiple times before landing in a ditch.

The four surviving officers, who sustained severe gunshot and crash-related injuries, were first rushed to the Obuasi Government Hospital but were later transferred to the Anglogold Ashanti Hospital for advanced treatment.

Medical teams are said to be working around the clock to stabilize them.

Concession Deeply Entangled In Politics

The operation that preceded the incident took place at the concession belonging to Mining and Construction Services Limited, which in recent months has become a flashpoint in Ghana’s anti-galamsey campaign. Illegal miners occupying the site insist they were given access to the land during an earlier National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

Investigations have revealed that the group of miners is receiving backing from politically influential individuals.

Of particular interest is the NDC Vice Chairman for the Obuasi West Constituency, Alhaji Zamba, who has publicly claimed ownership of the concession in a viral video circulating on social media.

His assertion has escalated tensions and intensified resistance against security operations in the area.

Multiple sources within the community allege that armed groups guarding the concession open fire whenever state teams approach, further heightening the risk to personnel deployed to enforce the law.

Regional Minister Confirms Death, Promises Full Inquiry

In a formal statement on Facebook, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene described the death of the soldier as a “tragic loss” and extended condolences to his family.

He assured the public that government is committed to supporting the bereaved family while ensuring the four injured officers receive the best possible care.

Dr. Amoakohene also disclosed that security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation— not only into the crash but also into reports of gunfire and the growing politicisation of the concession.

The probe aims to establish what exactly happened on the night of the incident and identify actors who may be fueling unrest in the area.

Mounting Risks 

The death of the NAIMOS officer is the latest in a string of violent encounters reported in the fight against illegal mining.