The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has raised concerns over the growing number of individuals allegedly impersonating operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and subsequently causing the public to associate their actions with Ghana’s anti-galamsey task force.
The ministry says the development is becoming a serious challenge, as some individuals allegedly wear military-style uniforms and falsely identify themselves as NAIMOS personnel during operations.
Lands Ministry Raises Alarm Over NAIMOS Impersonation
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 28, 2026, the Media Relations Officer at the Lands Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said impersonation of NAIMOS operatives has become a major concern.
According to him, some people allegedly present themselves as members of the anti-illegal mining task force despite having no connection to NAIMOS.
“More often than not, a lot of people parade as NAIMOS operatives. It’s one of the challenges that NAIMOS is currently confronted with, where people adorn themselves in military uniforms and identify themselves as NAIMOS personnel,” he stated.
NAIMOS Denies Operation at Akyem Hemang
Mr Schandorf specifically addressed allegations surrounding the reported shooting death of a young man at Akyem Hemang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
He disclosed that NAIMOS had no personnel deployed to Akyem Hemang or the surrounding communities when the incident occurred.
He further maintained that no NAIMOS operation had been carried out within Akyem Hemang or its wider jurisdiction in connection with the reported shooting.
The clarification comes amid initial allegations linking the incident to personnel of the anti-galamsey task force.
Lands Ministry Rejects Claims Linking NAIMOS to Shooting
The Lands Ministry representative also rejected suggestions that NAIMOS personnel could have been responsible for the fatal shooting.
According to Mr Schandorf, taking human lives does not form part of the mandate of NAIMOS operations.
His comments followed the reported death of Douglas Acheampong, a young man who was allegedly shot at close range at Akyem Hemang on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 7 p.m., prompting allegations that individuals linked to anti-illegal mining operations may have been involved.
However, the Lands Ministry has described the claims linking NAIMOS to the incident as false, insisting that the task force had no personnel operating in the area at the time.
Public Warned About Fake NAIMOS Operatives
Mr Schandorf urged members of the public to exercise caution and distinguish between genuine NAIMOS personnel and individuals allegedly impersonating members of the anti-illegal mining task force.
He warned that the activities of impostors could have serious consequences for public trust and Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining.
According to him, the impersonation of NAIMOS officers could create a misleading perception about the conduct, responsibilities and operational mandate of the task force.
Impersonation Could Affect Ghana’s Anti-Galamsey Fight
NAIMOS plays a role in Ghana’s broader efforts to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and protect the country’s natural resources.
The Lands Ministry’s warning highlights concerns that individuals falsely claiming to be part of anti-galamsey operations could undermine ongoing government efforts to regulate the mining sector and protect communities affected by illegal mining activities.
The ministry is therefore seeking to ensure that the public does not attribute actions by unauthorised individuals to legitimate NAIMOS operations.
Key Points on the NAIMOS Controversy
- Agency: National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)
- Ministry: Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
- Media Relations Officer: Paa Kwesi Schandorf
- Location of reported shooting: Akyem Hemang, Eastern Region
- District: Fanteakwa South District
- Deceased: Douglas Acheampong
- Date of incident: August 26, 2026
- Main issue: Alleged impersonation of NAIMOS personnel
- Government focus: Combating illegal mining and galamsey
- Ministry’s position: No NAIMOS personnel were deployed to the area at the time
The Lands Ministry’s latest clarification is expected to renew attention on the need to prevent NAIMOS impersonation, protect public confidence in Ghana’s anti-galamsey operations and ensure that only authorised personnel conduct activities under the government’s illegal mining enforcement programme.
Source: newsthemegh.com