A field officer with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been confirmed dead, while four of his colleagues sustained varying degrees of injuries following a tragic accident in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred when the team was returning from an official monitoring assignment in the area.
Preliminary information stated that the vehicle carrying the officers reportedly veered off the road and overturned.
Reports stated that the impact of the crash was severe, leaving several occupants trapped until residents and emergency responders arrived to assist.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle somersaulted during the incident. The deceased officer, whose identity is being withheld, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured were rushed to the Obuasi Government Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention.
According to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the crash occurred while a five-member team was en route to conduct a major anti-galamsey operation in the area.
A statement issued by the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining within the enclave.
The Ministry confirmed that one officer died on the spot, while the remaining four sustained serious injuries. The injured personnel are currently receiving medical treatment.
Police have since begun probing the accident, with initial assessments pointing to a possible mechanical fault, though officials say they will not rule out driver fatigue or poor road conditions until investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, residents have renewed calls for improved road safety measures in the Obuasi area, citing frequent crashes in recent months.
The body of the deceased officer has been deposited at the morgue pending autopsy, while authorities continue efforts to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
