Authorities in Ghana have detained over 300 residents following a large-scale operation by the military and police targeting communities accused of attacking officials from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) personnel, and journalists.
The operation took place in parts of the Ashanti and Ahafo regions, with an additional intervention at Ehi in the Volta Region, early on Wednesday, 12th November 2025.
Operation Triggers Confusion Among Residents
Eyewitness reports indicate that security forces conducted simultaneous raids across several towns, including Dadwene, Anwona, Hwidiem, Kenyase, Goaso, and Marhani, detaining men and women who were largely unaware of the reason for their apprehension. Videos circulating online show detainees lined up along streets, subjected to physical exercises, with many appearing anxious and confused about the accusations against them.
Residents claim that the operation mistakenly targeted the wrong Dadwene community. While the mission was intended to reach illegal miners along the Kumasi–Obuasi stretch, the raided area was reportedly a different locality, leaving innocent citizens caught in the sweep.
Several detainees reportedly attempted to demonstrate their innocence, presenting employment documents and identification cards, but were nevertheless taken into custody. Kukuaa Amissah, wife of one of the arrested, recounted the distress her family experienced, noting that security personnel ransacked their home without explaining the alleged wrongdoing.
Legal Proceedings and Community Concerns
The suspects were transferred to Kumasi and arraigned in court, where a judge remanded them into custody for two weeks, with a scheduled hearing set for Thursday, 27th November 2025. Emotional scenes were reported outside Kumasi Central Prisons as relatives sought information about their loved ones.
The mass arrests have provoked widespread criticism, with local residents and politicians, including Tano North MP Gideon Boako, urging authorities to differentiate between innocent citizens and alleged offenders. Calls for targeted operations and improved planning have intensified, emphasizing the need to avoid unnecessary civilian distress while enforcing anti-illegal mining regulations.
Calls for Reform and Transparency
The incident highlights the delicate balance between law enforcement and civil rights, particularly in regions affected by illegal mining. Advocates stress that future interventions should be precise, well-coordinated, and transparent, ensuring that only individuals involved in unlawful activities are apprehended.
Communities affected by the raids continue to demand accountability, expressing concern over the long-term impact of mass detentions on families and local trust in security agencies. Observers argue that while the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining are vital, the approach must respect human rights and minimize harm to innocent citizens.
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