Tensions rise in Manso Keniago as angry youth confront chief, accuse DCE over six deaths

Two National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) personnel were wounded by gunfire during a clash with an armed mob while transporting seized excavators in Manso Keniago, Ashanti Region, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The incident unfolded as the NAIMOS Task Force attempted to move the equipment to a secure location.

Upon encountering the hostile mob, the NAIMOS team fired warning shots to disperse the group and avert further violence. Regrettably, two of the personnel were struck by gunfire. NAIMOS vehemently denounced the act of aggression and warned against any obstruction of its personnel while carrying out their lawful duties. The organization emphasized that any violence or threats against its operations are intolerable and will not be endured.

NAIMOS is committed to combating illegal mining and will continue to enforce the law across the country, despite intimidation and resistance. Additionally, separate reports from Kumasi suggest that three individuals were killed and another suffered amputation in a violent encounter involving NAIMOS personnel at Dome Keniago, also in the Amansie South District, on the same day.

The Chief of the town, Nana Obeng Mensah Ababio, expressed fear, panic, and mourning in the community and alleged that NAIMOS personnel were targeting his life. The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths in Dome Keniago remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether the victims were local residents, suspected illegal miners, or NAIMOS team members. NAIMOS did not address the civilian fatalities in its statement.