President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive for the arrest of individuals who attacked members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations and Sanitation (NAIMOS) Taskforce, warning that anyone involved will face the full rigour of the law. His statement, captured in a video posted by Asempa News, comes in response to a violent confrontation that disrupted the taskforce’s operations last weekend.
Speaking with authority, President Mahama declared: “I ordered for security to go and arrest people who attacked the NAIMOS Taskforce, and anyone involved will face the full vigorous of the law.” His remarks signal a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness and a renewed commitment to protecting state operatives tasked with enforcing environmental and sanitation regulations.
The NAIMOS Taskforce, which operates under the presidency, has been active in curbing illegal mining (galamsey) and enforcing sanitation laws across the country. In the latest incident, taskforce members were reportedly ambushed during an operation in a galamsey zone, leading to injuries and damage to government equipment. The attack has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of enforcement officers.
President Mahama emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld and that no group or individual should feel emboldened to obstruct national enforcement efforts. “This is not just about protecting the taskforce,” he said. “It’s about defending the integrity of the state and the safety of our people.”
The president’s directive has been welcomed by civil society groups and environmental advocates, who have long called for stronger protection of taskforce members and harsher penalties for those who interfere with national operations. Many see the attack as part of a broader pattern of resistance from illegal mining operators who feel threatened by the government’s crackdown.
Security analysts believe the arrest order will serve as a deterrent to future attacks, but caution that enforcement must be paired with community engagement. “Deploying force is necessary when lives are at risk, but long-term success depends on dialogue and education,” one analyst noted.
The NAIMOS Taskforce has been instrumental in exposing illegal mining networks, shutting down unregulated waste disposal sites, and restoring degraded lands. However, their work has not been without controversy. In some communities, residents have accused the taskforce of heavy-handedness and lack of consultation, leading to tensions and occasional clashes.
President Mahama acknowledged these concerns but insisted that national interest must come first. “We will continue to engage communities, but we will not tolerate violence against our officers,” he said.
Investigations into the recent attack are ongoing, and security agencies have been deployed to track down the perpetrators. Sources within the taskforce say arrests are imminent, and the government is determined to send a clear message that attacks on state operatives will not go unpunished.
The incident has also reignited debate about the future of galamsey in Ghana. While the government has made significant strides in curbing the practice, illegal mining remains a persistent threat to water bodies, forests, and public health. President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending galamsey and restoring Ghana’s natural resources.
As the nation watches closely, the president’s directive marks a turning point in the fight against environmental lawlessness. With the full weight of the law behind the NAIMOS Taskforce, the government hopes to restore order and reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development and national security.
Sources / Friday, 21st November 2025 / Asempa News