NAIMOS says personnel acted in self-defence during Manso Keniago clash that left six dead

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) maintains that its personnel acted in self-defense during a clash that occurred at Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region, resulting in six fatalities on Wednesday. Paa Kwesi Schandorf, a spokesperson for NAIMOS, conveyed this stance during an appearance on JoyNews’ Upfront program.

The personnel faced a mob comprised of residents and suspected illegal miners, who refused to disperse after the task force fired warning shots. According to Schandorf, the NAIMOS personnel resorted to self-defense to deter the determined mob and prevent further harm. The incident commenced when the residents and suspected illegal miners blocked a road and attacked the NAIMOS vehicles with stones, causing damage to some of the vehicles.

The clash escalated, leading to a death toll that initially stood at three, but later increased to six. This event has exacerbated tensions within the community, with angry youth gathering outside the palace of the paramount chief and attempting to assault the District Chief Executive (DCE), who was blamed for failing to control the situation.