The Minister Responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah has pledged that his ministry and the government will win the fight against the illegal mining operations to honour the demised National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat’s (NAIMOS) officer.
The minister made the vow during his visit to the NAIMOS Headquarter to mourn and sign the condolence book of the said demised gallant officer.
In a somber display of solidarity and commitment, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, led a delegation from the Ministry to pay their respects to a fallen hero of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
“Honorable Buah also conveyed the heartfelt sympathies of President H.E. John Mahama to the bereaved family, leadership, and staff of NAIMOS. ‘The President is mourning with you. This sacrifice will not be in vain.”
Lands Ministry
The Minister further assured that Government remains unwavering in its commitment to combating illegal mining and safeguarding the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
The tragic loss of Private Sarfo Agyapong Collins, who perished in the line of duty, has ignited a renewed resolve within the government to combat the scourge of illegal mining, ‘galamsey,’ that continues to deteriorate the country’s precious natural resource heritage .
NAIMOS Incident
National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce vehicle was involved in a fatal motor accident near the Obuasi Airport in the Ashanti Region of Ghana on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, while the five-member team was returning to their base after a major anti-galamsey (illegal mining) operation in the area.
The vehicle reportedly somersaulted, which tragically resulted in the on-the-spot death of one officer, who was later identified as Collins Sarfo.
The four other injured members, including police and immigration officers, according to update, are currently receiving medical treatment at the AGA Hospital in Obuasi.
Galvanizing the Anti-Galamsey Effort
The tragic loss of Private Sarfo Agyapong Collins has sent shockwaves through the mining industry, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those on the frontlines of the battle against this illegal mining disaster.
As the Minister led the delegation in paying their respects, he sought to channel this sorrow into a renewed determination to honor the fallen officer’s sacrifice.
The Minister’s pledge to ensure that the team is adequately resourced to efficiently deliver on their mandate signifies the government’s recognition of the critical role played by the NAIMOS task force in the fight against this environmental terrorism.
This commitment to provide the necessary support and resources signals a determination to bolster the ongoing efforts to eradicate the scourge of ‘galamsey’ confronting the country’s mining landscape.
Strengthening the Anti-Illegal Mining Crusade
While the news of the tragic incident unfolds, the mining community has rallied behind the call to honor the fallen hero and redouble their efforts to combat illegal mining.
The Minister’s invitation to the public to join in the solemn exercise reflects an understanding that combating this challenge requires a collective, nationwide effort.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Hon. Buah emphasised the President and the nation’s pride in the critical work undertaken by the NAIMOS officers, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission to preserve Ghana’s natural heritage.
This message of unwavering support and appreciation serves as a morale boost for the task force, who have risked their lives to protect the country’s valuable resources.
The Lands Minister’s pledge to ensure that the demise of Private Sarfo Agyapong Collins “will not be in vain” underscores the government’s determination to turn this tragedy into a catalyst for strengthening the anti-illegal mining crusade.
As the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated patriot, the mining and extractive industry eagerly awaits the concrete steps and policies that will translate this solemn commitment into tangible action, ensuring that Ghana’s natural wealth is safeguarded for present and future generations.
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