The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has confirmed that a member of the National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat task force was shot during a routine anti galamsey operation on Tuesday January 20 2026.
According to an official statement, the incident occurred in a bush area along the Subinkurum Kyeremasu stretch in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region. The task force team was carrying out operations when armed individuals opened fire from hiding positions.
The ministry said the attack led to an exchange of gunfire between the armed assailants and the task force. During the incident, one NAIMOS officer sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh.
The injured officer was rushed to the St Matthew Catholic Hospital at Ampenkuro, where authorities say he is responding to treatment. No further details were provided on his condition.
The statement further confirmed that one of the armed assailants was shot during the exchange and later pronounced dead on arrival at the same hospital. The deceased was identified as Abuu Ibrahim.
The ministry described the attackers as armed individuals who deliberately targeted the task force during the operation. No information has yet been released on whether other suspects were arrested or fled the scene.
NAIMOS said despite repeated attacks and disruptions, it remains committed to its mandate to combat illegal mining activities across the country. The secretariat called on stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to address illegal mining and its associated risks.
Security agencies have not yet announced whether a formal investigation has been opened into the incident. Authorities say further updates will be provided as information becomes available.