A member of Ghana's National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce lost his life and four others sustained serious injuries when their operational vehicle crashed near Obuasi Airport during a major crackdown on illegal mining activities.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources confirmed the incident in a statement, describing the fallen officer as a “dedicated frontline hero” in the fight against environmental destruction. The four injured personnel are receiving treatment at medical facilities, while authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident.

Reaffirming its commitment to the safety of all personnel engaged in the anti-galamsey campaign, the Ministry pledged continued support to the affected families. The Obuasi operation forms part of intensified nationwide efforts under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to curb illegal mining, which has polluted rivers and devastated forest reserves.

Just two days earlier, NAIMOS forces disrupted large-scale galamsey operations in the same enclave, seizing equipment and arresting suspects.

Since its reactivation in early 2025, the taskforce has conducted more than 120 operations, destroying hundreds of changfans and excavators across the country.