Manso Adubia NDC executives demand NAIMOS withdrawal pending probe into Manso Kaniago deaths

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) leaders in the Manso Adubia constituency are urging the halt of National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) personnel until an impartial investigation is conducted into a fatal shooting incident that occurred on November 10th, 2026, in Manso Kaniago. The event resulted in six deaths and 13 injuries.

This demand comes after the NDC executives pointed out discrepancies in the sequence of events, particularly the alleged reckless movement of a seized excavator by NAIMOS operatives on a public road, which allegedly led to a confrontation where firearms were used.

The NDC executives have accused the NAIMOS operatives of moving the seized equipment on a public road rather than using a designated low-bed trailer, a move they claim could have resulted in damage to the road. The situation escalated when some residents, including the Chief of Manso Kaniago, approached the operatives to express concerns over the potential damage to public infrastructure.

This concern, they claim, allegedly escalated into a violent confrontation leading to gunfire. The executives question the rationale behind using firearms in response to concerns about road safety, highlighting the disproportionate use of force against civilians.

In response to the incident, the NDC leaders are demanding a thorough and independent investigation to establish the legality of the use of force, identify those responsible, and assign accountability. They are also extending their demand for a probe to other reported violent incidents in nearby mining communities such as Akwasiyo, Tontokrom, and Nyankomase, aiming to uncover any pattern of misconduct and excessive force by NAIMOS operatives.

Additionally, the NDC executives are calling for an investigation into allegations of extortion, where some miners are reportedly being asked to pay exorbitant fees, ranging from GH₵200,000 or more, for the release of seized equipment. They question the authorization process, the recipients of such payments, and the issuance of official receipts for these transactions.

While advocating for accountability, the NDC leaders underscore their support for the government's efforts to combat illegal mining but insist that these actions must be carried out lawfully. They have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw NAIMOS operatives from the constituency and instead deploy a temporary, lawful, and accountable security arrangement to maintain public order and protect residents.

The NDC leaders are clear that their demand for accountability does not imply a halt to the fight against illegal mining; instead, they are urging the government to safeguard the credibility of its anti-illegal mining campaign. They warn that continued inaction could undermine public trust, making it challenging to defend the government's actions at the grassroots level.