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Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission and spokesperson for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), has called for urgent civic education of young people after a violent confrontation between residents and a NAIMOS task force on Saturday, November 1, 2025
The incident, which occurred at Bronikrom near Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region, reportedly involved a group of youth resisting a NAIMOS raid on illegal mining sites, leading to the destruction of a vehicle and a tense standoff with security personnel.
Speaking in reaction to the events, Mr. Kotoko stressed the need for the younger generation to “move beyond childish bravado” and recognise the long-term damage of defending illegal mining. He warned that continued resistance risks emboldening violent mobs and undermining the rule of law
“I believe where we’ve gotten to today, even if you are so related even by blood to President Mahama and you have found culpable, or he smiles with you every morning and every afternoon, every evening, and you have found culpable to have been engaged in anything we will deal with you.
“This is a serious test case because if this matter is not resolved immediately, what it means is to embolden those on the other side. Then tomorrow, what it means is that NAIMOS may go to another community, and the community people will always outnumber them.
“They will say they about 30, so let’s marshal about 150 people we can overpower them and people will be engaged in this reckless and excusea my language, a very stupid conduct.” He stated.
He also urged that NAIMOS and partner security agencies should strengthen their security and response capacity so task forces can carry out lawful operations without being overwhelmed. He said that while NAIMOS will continue its anti-galamsey operations, communities must be sensitised to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.net
