Two Dead in Manso Keniago Clash as NAIMOS Intensifies Anti-Galamsey Operations

Two people have reportedly died following a violent confrontation between suspected illegal miners, residents and personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, when some miners and residents allegedly attempted to prevent NAIMOS personnel from transporting excavators seized during an anti-galamsey operation out of the community.

According to a report by MyJoyOnline, the group blocked the road and pelted the security personnel’s vehicles with stones, damaging the windscreens of some vehicles. Two fatalities have been confirmed, although the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.

The confrontation marks another troubling episode in Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, highlighting the growing security challenges facing enforcement teams operating in communities where galamsey activities have become deeply entrenched.

Manso Keniago clash: What happened?

Preliminary reports indicate that tensions escalated when NAIMOS personnel attempted to move excavators seized from illegal mining activities in the area.

The attempt reportedly triggered resistance from some miners and residents, who allegedly blocked the transportation route and attacked the security team’s vehicles with stones.

The incident resulted in the deaths of two people. However, as of the latest available report, further details regarding the identities of the deceased, the precise circumstances of their deaths and whether any arrests have been made were not established.

The incident is expected to draw renewed attention to the risks associated with the government’s enforcement campaign against illegal mining.

The latest confrontation also comes against the backdrop of previous deadly incidents in Manso Keniago, a community that has repeatedly featured in reports on the devastating effects of illegal mining.

In September 2026, seven illegal miners were confirmed dead after a mining pit collapsed at Manso Domi Keniago in the Amansie South District, with one other person initially reported trapped underground.

NAIMOS records 738 operations in four months

The Manso Keniago incident comes at a time NAIMOS is intensifying its nationwide campaign against illegal mining, with the Secretariat reporting significant operational achievements under its current leadership.

At a media briefing on October 22, 2026, Director of Operations Colonel K.S. Appiah disclosed that NAIMOS conducted 738 operational activities between June 13 and September 30, covering approximately 50,662 kilometres.

The activities included reconnaissance missions, mobile and riverine patrols, raids, special operations and community engagement across several operational zones, including the Ashanti, Western, Western North, Central and Eastern regions.

The Secretariat also reported the destruction of 1,970 changfan machines and 863 makeshift structures linked to illegal mining.

In addition, security personnel recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition, while excavators, water pumps, vehicles and other equipment used in suspected illegal mining activities were seized.

Colonel Appiah said suspects arrested during the operations had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.

Operation Green Shield: NAIMOS targets forest reserves

One of the major initiatives being undertaken by NAIMOS is Operation Green Shield, a military-backed intervention designed to combat illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.

The operation was launched in the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region on October 27, 2026, with the objective of disrupting illegal mining activities, clearing affected areas and maintaining security to prevent miners from returning.

Three suspects were reportedly arrested during the initial phase of the operation.

The intervention has since recorded a deadly encounter. On November 2, one suspected illegal miner was killed, another injured and four suspects arrested following an alleged exchange of gunfire between security operatives and suspected miners.

The four arrested suspects comprised three Malian nationals and one Ghanaian. Two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were reportedly recovered.

The injured suspect was evacuated to the Kyebi Government Hospital, while the arrested individuals were handed over to NAIMOS for further action.

The operation is expected to follow a four-stage strategy involving disruption, clearance, sustained security presence and eventual transition to the Forestry Commission.

Operation Water Shield: Protecting Ghana’s rivers

NAIMOS has also stepped up efforts to protect Ghana’s rivers through Operation Water Shield.

The operation began along the Birim River before extending to the Ankobra River, with the Secretariat planning to expand its interventions to two additional major water bodies before the end of 2026.

According to Colonel Appiah, the next phase will focus on preventing illegal miners from returning to areas that have already been cleared.

The Secretariat is also working with the Ghana Navy to establish a dedicated riverine unit to maintain patrols and deter the return of changfan operators along the Ankobra River.

The strategy reflects a shift from temporary raids towards sustained protection of vulnerable water bodies.

Growing resistance poses challenge to anti-galamsey campaign

The confrontation at Manso Keniago raises concerns about the level of resistance NAIMOS is encountering in communities where illegal mining activities have become a source of livelihood for some residents.

The reported blocking of seized excavators and attacks on security personnel’s vehicles suggest that enforcement efforts may face resistance beyond the mining sites themselves.

The incident also highlights the importance of securing seized equipment during transportation, particularly in areas where illegal mining networks may have strong local support.

While the government has maintained its commitment to fighting galamsey, the latest deaths underscore the need for effective intelligence gathering, disciplined security operations and stronger engagement with affected communities.

The circumstances surrounding the two fatalities at Manso Keniago remain unclear. An official account from NAIMOS, the Ghana Armed Forces or the Police will be important in establishing what happened and whether the deaths resulted from the actions of security personnel or other circumstances.

NAIMOS operations: What lies ahead?

NAIMOS‘ expanding operational strategy suggests that the anti-galamsey campaign is entering a more sustained enforcement phase.

The Secretariat has outlined plans to:

• Intensify operations against illegal mining networks.

• Expand river protection operations to additional water bodies.

• Maintain security at reclaimed mining sites.

• Strengthen cooperation with the Ghana Navy, Police, Forestry Commission and other security agencies.

• Pursue the investigation and prosecution of suspects arrested during operations.

• Prevent illegal miners from returning to areas cleared by enforcement teams.

However, the effectiveness of these measures will ultimately depend on whether enforcement can be sustained and whether communities cooperate with authorities.

The Manso Keniago confrontation is a reminder that the fight against illegal mining is not only an environmental challenge but also a security and governance issue.

As NAIMOS continues its operations, the public will be watching closely to see whether the campaign can achieve lasting environmental protection while ensuring accountability and minimising civilian casualties.