Constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manso Adubia in the Ashanti Region have called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately withdraw operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) from the constituency following a deadly shooting incident at Manso Keniago.
The executives are demanding the withdrawal of the anti-illegal mining task force pending an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident, which reportedly claimed seven lives and left 13 others injured.
The incident, said to have occurred on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, has triggered widespread concern among residents and party supporters, with the constituency leadership expressing disappointment over what they describe as alleged excessive use of force, intimidation and extortion by some security operatives.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, and signed by the Constituency Secretary, Asante Samuel, on behalf of the constituency executives and the entire membership of the NDC, the party described the development as tragic and called for urgent presidential intervention.
The executives, however, stressed that the reported casualty figures were yet to receive official confirmation.
They extended their condolences to the bereaved families and wished those receiving medical attention a speedy recovery.
HOW THE SHOOTINGS OCCURRED
According to eyewitness accounts cited in the statement, the incident occurred when NAIMOS operatives were allegedly transporting a seized excavator directly on a tarred government road through Manso Keniago instead of using a low-bed trailer.
The statement indicated that the Chief of Manso Keniago, together with some concerned residents, reportedly approached the operatives to caution them against moving the heavy machinery directly on the road, arguing that the action could damage public infrastructure.
The constituency executives maintained that the residents’ intervention was intended to protect the community’s road rather than obstruct lawful security operations.
However, the situation reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation involving gunfire, resulting in the deaths and injuries.
The statement further alleged that the traditional ruler was physically assaulted and that gunshots were fired at his vehicle during the incident.
The NDC executives have consequently demanded an independent investigation to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the confrontation, determine whether the use of firearms was justified and identify anyone found culpable.
They questioned why an attempt by residents to protect public infrastructure should allegedly result in the use of firearms against civilians.
PREVIOUS INCIDENTS RAISE CONCERNS
The constituency leadership has also raised concerns over what it described as previous reported violent confrontations and fatalities in other mining communities within the constituency.
Communities specifically mentioned include Akwasiso, Tontokrom and Nyankomase.
According to the statement, complaints received from residents suggest that the alleged incidents may point to a pattern of misconduct, excessive use of force or inadequate operational supervision.
The executives are therefore demanding that investigations should not be limited to the Manso Keniago incident but should also cover the previous reported cases in the affected communities.
They insisted that the government’s fight against illegal mining must not come at the expense of innocent human lives.
NAIMOS ACCUSED OF ALLEGED GH¢200,000 EXTORTION
In another serious allegation, the NDC constituency executives have accused some NAIMOS operatives of allegedly demanding huge sums of money from mining operators as a condition for releasing seized excavators.
According to complaints reportedly received from miners, some operators are allegedly being asked to pay as much as GH¢200,000 per excavator, with demands said to exceed that amount in certain instances.
The statement claimed that the alleged financial demands affect both licensed miners and individuals operating without the requisite authorisation.
It further alleged that some excavators are seized and detained at operational bases until the demanded payments are made.
The constituency executives described the allegations as disturbing and called for an independent investigation into the reported financial transactions.
They questioned who authorises the alleged payments, who receives the money, whether official receipts are issued and what legal procedures govern the seizure and subsequent release of excavators.
The executives warned that if the allegations were established, such conduct would amount to a serious abuse of official authority and undermine the credibility of the government’s anti-illegal mining campaign.
OTHER SECURITY PERSONNEL ALSO IMPLICATED
The statement further extended the allegations to individuals associated with other security agencies operating within the Manso Adubia Constituency.
According to the executives, complaints from miners suggest that some security personnel are also allegedly demanding money from mining operators.
They were, however, careful to clarify that their concerns were not directed at every security officer or institution but rather at individuals against whom credible complaints had been made.
The party executives maintained that no security officer or government representative should be above the law, insisting that anyone found to have abused public office for personal financial gain must face the appropriate legal consequences.
DEMAND WITHDRAWAL OF NAIMOS OPERATIVES
Against the backdrop of the reported deaths, alleged extortion and complaints of intimidation, the NDC executives have made an urgent appeal to President Mahama to withdraw NAIMOS operatives from the Manso Adubia Constituency.
They argued that the growing allegations had seriously undermined public confidence in the operations of the task force and called for alternative security arrangements to be maintained to prevent illegal mining activities while investigations are conducted.
The executives were quick to clarify that their demand should not be interpreted as opposition to the government’s fight against illegal mining.
Rather, they said the call was intended to protect the credibility of the exercise by ensuring that all enforcement operations were conducted professionally, lawfully and with respect for human rights.
They maintained that while individuals engaged in illegal mining must be dealt with in accordance with the law, the rights of legitimate mining operators and residents must equally be protected.
NDC EXECUTIVES WORRIED OVER POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES
The constituency executives have also expressed concern that the developments could affect the electoral fortunes and public image of the governing NDC, particularly at the grassroots level.
They said the situation had generated considerable frustration among constituents, many of whom supported the party and worked tirelessly towards its electoral success.
According to them, it had become increasingly difficult to defend the government at the grassroots when residents were reportedly losing their lives, others were battling injuries and serious allegations against security personnel remained unanswered.
They therefore appealed directly to President Mahama to intervene before the situation further damages public confidence in the government.
DCE PUT ON THE SPOT
The executives have also called on the District Chief Executive, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, to publicly explain the steps his office has taken to address the situation.
They want the DCE to outline measures being implemented to assist injured persons, support bereaved families and engage the affected communities.
They further expect him to engage the relevant authorities over the reported incidents at Akwasiso, Tontokrom, Nyankomase and other mining communities within the constituency.
The statement cautioned that silence or inaction from responsible authorities could deepen public frustration and further aggravate tensions.
TEN DEMANDS PRESENTED TO GOVERNMENT
Among the ten demands presented by the constituency executives are the immediate withdrawal of NAIMOS operatives from the constituency pending an independent investigation, official confirmation of the reported seven deaths and 13 injuries, and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for unlawful killings or excessive use of force.
They are also demanding immediate medical assistance for the injured and support for bereaved families.
Other demands include investigations into the alleged assault on the chief and shooting at his vehicle, reported GH¢200,000 or higher payments demanded per excavator, and alleged extortion involving NAIMOS and personnel associated with other security agencies.
The executives are also seeking a review of previous reported incidents in Akwasiso, Tontokrom and Nyankomase.
Additionally, they have called for an urgent stakeholder meeting involving government representatives, traditional authorities, constituency leadership, miners and relevant security agencies to find a lasting solution to the situation.
THREATEN COLLECTIVE RESIGNATION
In what appears to be the strongest indication of their frustration, the NDC executives have threatened to reconsider their continued service as constituency executives, including the possibility of collective resignation, if the concerns are not addressed through decisive government intervention.
They explained that they could not continue occupying leadership positions while appearing powerless to protect the legitimate interests, lives and fundamental rights of their constituents.
The executives, however, emphasised that their statement was not an attack on the Mahama administration but an appeal for justice, accountability and responsible leadership.
They concluded by urging President Mahama to take immediate steps to protect residents, restore public confidence and ensure that the fight against illegal mining does not become a platform for alleged extortion, intimidation and personal enrichment.
“Protect our environment. Protect legitimate businesses. Protect the livelihoods of our people. Above all, protect human lives,” the statement declared.
The statement was issued on behalf of the NDC Constituency Executives and the entire membership of the Manso Adubia Constituency and signed by Asante Samuel, Constituency Secretary.
The allegations contained in the statement are yet to be independently established, and the reported casualty figures remain subject to official confirmation.
