The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has unequivocally refuted allegations of involvement in the shooting and death of a young man at Akyem Hemang in the Eastern Region. This denial, issued on August 28, 2026, comes after a press release detailed a false claim suggesting that NAIMOS personnel were responsible for the incident. NAIMOS, a key governmental agency tasked with regulating and combating illegal mining operations, has stressed that it did not conduct any operations at Akyem Hemang or within the specified area during the time of the alleged shooting.
In a formal press release, NAIMOS described the allegation as ‘false’ and clarified that its operations are centrally coordinated and authorized by the Secretariat and overseen by the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Bureau of National Intelligence, and the Narcotics Control Commission. The Secretariat emphasized that no personnel were deployed to the jurisdiction at the time of the incident.
Crucially, NAIMOS stated that its operations are coordinated and managed through a centralized system, with all authorized activities being carried out in collaboration with these recognized entities. This collaboration is vital to ensure the effective implementation of anti-illegal mining strategies. The Secretariat further warned that disseminating unverified allegations without prior verification could significantly destabilize communities and endanger security personnel, undermining national efforts to combat illegal mining.
NAIMOS has actively called on Citi Newsroom and other media organizations to retract the publication and correct the record, acknowledging the seriousness of the claim and expressing concern over the loss of human life. The Secretariat has also cautioned against automatically attributing activities to uniformed personnel, emphasizing that the presence of security personnel does not necessarily equate to a NAIMOS operation.
The Secretariat reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and lands from the detrimental effects of illegal mining. It also underscored the importance of verified information before publication and the continued support of authorized taskforces dedicated to protecting the country’s natural resources. NAIMOS has expressed its concern about the potential for undue tension between communities and security personnel stemming from the allegations, stressing the need for collaborative efforts and continued support for these crucial initiatives.
The statement, which details the complexities surrounding the incident, underscores the rigorous oversight and coordination inherent within the NAIMOS structure. It acknowledges the responsibility of security agencies and highlights the critical role of centralized oversight in safeguarding national interests. The Secretariat reiterated its dedication to upholding its mandate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency and collaboration in the fight against illegal mining.
Read the statement below:
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Source: Adom Online
