Police in Hwidiem have rescued a team of military officers from the government’s anti-illegal mining task force, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), after they came under attack from an angry mob during an operation at Bronikrom near Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region on Saturday.
According to police sources, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS and his team were conducting an anti-galamsey operation in the area when they arrested two suspected illegal miners and seized several vehicles and weapons believed to have been used for mining activities.
The arrests reportedly provoked agitation among some residents, who confronted the officers and launched a violent attack, pelting them with stones and attempting to prevent the suspects’ transfer.
A police reinforcement team, with support from traditional and community leaders, intervened swiftly to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of the NAIMOS officers. The team was subsequently evacuated to Kenyase, where they are reported to be safe.
Eyewitnesses told TV3 that “but for God,” the officers could have lost their lives during the incident, as the mob grew increasingly hostile before security backup arrived.
The Ahafo Regional Police Command has since confirmed that calm has been restored to Hwidiem and its environs following the confrontation. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attack and to prevent a recurrence as anti-illegal mining operations continue in the area.
Kumasimail
