BY: KWEKU BOLTON
Licensed teachers posted to Adiewoso M/A Basic School and Junior High School, in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana’s Western Region, have alleged that they and their family members were assaulted in their homes by members of the National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during a crackdown on illegal mining.
The teachers say they were beaten with heavy canes, struck with metal objects, and slapped, despite presenting identification cards and certificates to prove their profession. According to them, NAIMOS accused the group of failing to advise community members to stop illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The alleged assaults have left victims with serious health complications and emotional trauma. Some have threatened to stop teaching unless justice is served, while others have requested transfers to communities or regions where illegal mining is not prevalent.
Headmaster’s Account
Mr Asah Acheampong, 45, headmaster of Adiewoso M/A Basic School, confirmed that he and several colleagues were victims. “NAIMOS members entered my home while I was asleep. Despite presenting my ID card to prove I was not associated with illegal miners, I was beaten on the back,” he said. “As part of the brutality, some female teachers’ husbands were also slapped,” he stated.
He added: “The attackers accused me of failing to advise community members against galamsey. Why target teachers instead of chiefs or opinion leaders, who also provide guidance within the community?”
Teacher’s Testimony
Mr Prince Adusi-Opoku, 31, who teaches Class 6, described being assaulted. He explained that the events began on 28th April when NAIMOS members, accompanied by military personnel, clashed with illegal miners at a ‘galamsey’ site in Adiewoso. Shots were exchanged before both groups dispersed.
Two days later, on 30th April at around 5:30 a.m., soldiers and policemen returned to the community. “Armed men forced entry into my home, dragged me outside, and ordered me to lie on the ground. Despite identifying myself as a teacher, I was beaten repeatedly. A colleague who attempted to show his ID card was also assaulted,” he said.
Mr Adusi-Opoku reported receiving between ten and twelve lashes before being ordered to flee into the forest. While escaping, he encountered another squad of soldiers who accused him of being a ‘Galamsey’. “I denied the accusation, insisting my role was solely to teach students. Later, soldiers returned to my residence, broke my door again, and demanded further compliance. This ordeal is unacceptable. Teachers should not be punished for matters outside their professional duties,” he added.
Mr Bukari’s Account
Mr Bukari, 40, said “The incident began on 28th April when NAIMOS personnel, accompanied by soldiers, clashed with illegal miners at a ‘galamsey’ site. Gunshots were exchanged before both groups dispersed.”
He said that two days later, at around 4:30 a.m., soldiers entered a compound house where several teachers lived. “The soldiers banged on our doors, ordered us outside, and forced us to lie on the ground. Despite presenting identification cards to prove I was a teacher, we were beaten with metal objects and canes. One of us was forced to remove his shirt before receiving repeated lashes.”
Mr Bukari added that he was caring for his infant son at the time and had to leave the child inside while he was taken outside and beaten. According to him, the soldiers accused the teachers of failing to advise community members against illegal mining. Victim teachers were ordered to run into the bush under threat of being shot. While fleeing, they encountered another group of soldiers who accused them of being ‘galamsey’. Later, soldiers allegedly returned to the compound, broke doors, and continued to intimidate residents.
Fear and Accountability
Victims say they remain fearful and are demanding protection, accountability, and justice. According to the teachers, the incident was reported immediately to the Municipal Director, the Municipal Chief Executive, the Regional Office, and the Member of Parliament for the area, Honourable Salifu Taylor, all of whom visited the victims on the same day. A formal complaint was submitted to the Directorate and teachers’ unions.
Medical Care
The victims filed a police report and sought medical treatment at Abora Health Clinic in the Ahanta West District, where documentation of injuries was issued. They continue to demand justice and protection from further attacks.
The victimised teachers, together with their headmaster, told this journalist that they have never visited or engaged in any galamsey site before.
Wider Implications
The allegations highlight growing tension in Takwa Nsuaem, where teachers—tasked with educating the next generation say they have become unintended casualties in the fight against illegal mining. Their accounts raise questions about accountability, the role of security forces, and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire of Ghana’s battle against galamsey.
As the victims await further action from authorities, the case underscores the human cost of the government’s anti‑galamsey operations and the urgent need to balance enforcement with safeguarding the rights of innocent community members.
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