NAIMOS denies involvement in alleged shooting, death at Akyem Hemang

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has firmly denied allegations that its personnel were involved in a shooting and resulting death at Akyem Hemang in the Eastern Region. In a press release issued on August 28, 2026, NAIMOS categorically stated that the allegation was false and that they had not conducted any operation in the area at the time of the incident.

The Secretariat emphasized that its operations are centrally coordinated, authorized by the Secretariat, and carried out in collaboration with recognized security and intelligence agencies. NAIMOS expressed concern over the premature publication of the allegation, particularly given the gravity of the claim and the loss of life involved.

They warned that such unverified reports could create unnecessary tension between communities and security personnel, undermining national efforts against illegal mining. NAIMOS urged media organizations that carried the report to retract it, correct the record, and apologize to the Secretariat. The Secretariat also cautioned against attributing activities of uniformed personnel to NAIMOS without prior authorization.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana's water bodies, forests, and lands from illegal mining and appealed to both media and the public to verify information before publication.