Ghana Army, Police storm Hwediem and other communities over attacks on NAIMOS, EPA Officials and Journalists

The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched a joint, intelligence-led operation in multiple regions across the country following 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 swoops, which began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, are taking place in several identified hotspots — including 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 the Armed Forces and the Police, the operation aims to apprehend individuals responsible for orchestrating and carrying out the recent attacks on state officials and media personnel involved in the government’s anti-galamsey (illegal mining) efforts.

The statement sternly warned that any individual or group that attempts to obstruct the ongoing security operations or interfere with lawful duties of the state will face the full force of the law.

“The Armed Forces and the Police Service warn that any individual or group that attempts to obstruct the operations of any of the security services in their anti-galamsey operations or in the performance of any other lawful duty will face the full force of the law,” the statement emphasized.

Authorities have assured residents in the affected communities that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure their safety and security throughout the operation. They urged the public to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear or panic.

The security agencies also expressed appreciation to civil society organizations, the media, and the general public for their strong condemnation of the recent attacks on security personnel.

“The Security Services commend civil society groups, the media, and individuals for the massive condemnation of the unwarranted attacks and disruption of activities of the security forces in their anti-galamsey drive,” the statement read.

The Armed Forces and the Police further appealed for continued public cooperation as they intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and maintain law and order across the country.

The statement was signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Navy.