The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Police Service have launched a joint intelligence-led operation across several regions to arrest individuals involved in the recent violent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.
The coordinated operations, which began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, are being conducted in Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso, and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
According to a joint statement issued by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, the exercise is “targeted and intelligence-led”, focusing on tracking and apprehending the perpetrators behind the attacks on government anti-galamsey task forces.
Security Forces Warn Against Obstruction
The statement warned that any individual or group who obstructs the ongoing operations or interferes with the lawful duties of the security services will face the full force of the law.
“Any person or group attempting to obstruct the work of the security services in their ongoing anti-illegal mining operations or in the discharge of any lawful duty will be dealt with according to law,” the statement emphasized.
The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining public order and safety, assuring residents in the affected areas that adequate measures have been implemented to protect law-abiding citizens.
Residents Urged to Stay Calm and Cooperate
The Ghana Armed Forces and Police have urged residents in the targeted communities to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear or panic.
“The Armed Forces and the Police Service wish to assure the general public that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of well-meaning inhabitants of these towns and communities,” the statement read.
“They are encouraged to remain calm and go about their regular duties without fear or panic.”
Public Commended for Condemning Attacks
The joint statement commended civil society organisations, the media, and individuals for their swift condemnation of the recent unprovoked attacks on security personnel engaged in the government’s anti-galamsey campaign.
It also highlighted the importance of public cooperation and vigilance, stressing that collaboration between the security forces and citizens is vital in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable national development.
“Public cooperation remains crucial in safeguarding the environment and ensuring the success of ongoing anti-illegal mining operations,” the statement added.
Background
The recent attacks on anti-illegal mining task force members have sparked national outrage and renewed calls for enhanced protection for security personnel engaged in the fight against galamsey (illegal mining) — an activity that continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands.
The ongoing joint operation marks one of the largest coordinated security responses to date, signaling the government’s determination to restore order, protect natural resources, and enforce environmental laws.
