The Chief of Hwidiem Zongo in the Ahafo Region, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Osman, has narrated a dramatic rescue effort following an attack on members of the National Illegal Mining Operations Taskforce (NAIMOS) during an operation in the area.
According to the Chief, chaos erupted when the task force — deployed to clamp down on illegal mining activities along the Tano River — was ambushed by an armed group suspected to be linked to illegal miners. “The situation was tense. Gunshots were fired, and people had to run for their lives,” he recounted.
Alhaji Osman revealed that several taskforce members, who were trapped during the confrontation, were rescued through the swift intervention of local youth and community leaders. “We quickly mobilised the young men to assist the security personnel to safety. It was a dangerous moment, but we had to protect lives,” he said.
The incident, which occurred late last week, left parts of the community shaken, prompting calls for increased security presence in the area. The Chief condemned the attack and urged residents to support the government’s efforts to end illegal mining, emphasising that such violent acts only endanger the community and its environment.
Officials from NAIMOS have since confirmed that investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the assault. The task force has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring law and order in all illegal mining zones, despite growing threats to its operations.
