The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has paid glowing tributes to the memory of Lance Corporal Collins Agyapong Safo, the NAIMOS soldier who died in line of duty on Wednesday, 19th November, 2025.

Private Collins Agyapong Safo, as he then was, died after an accident at Obuasi during a sanctioned operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

Addressing mourners on Friday, 19th December, the Lands Minister expressed profound sympathy to the family of the late soldier, describing his death as a painful loss to the nation.

Speaking at a solemn burial service at the Arakan Presby/Methodist Church at Burma Camp, the Minister said the passing of Collins remains a painful loss to President John Dramani Mahama, the Lands Ministry and the country as a whole.

He therefore pledged that government would continue the fight against illegal mining in honour of the fallen soldier and others who have lost their lives in the national effort to combat galamsey.



On his part, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, also mourned the loss of Collins, describing him as affable, disciplined, and full of life.



In a heartfelt tribute, Colonel Buah said he personally trained Collins and was pleased that their paths crossed again when the young soldier was deployed to join NAIMOS.



Immersed in grief, the NAIMOS Director of Operations assured that the Secretariat would continue to intensify its efforts against environmental terrorism, in honour of the fallen soldier.



Meanwhile, Collins, who held the rank of Private at the time of his death, was posthumously promoted to Lance Corporal, an announcement which was made by the military command during the burial service on Friday.



According to the military, he had already met the requirements for promotion prior to his death.



Government also made an undisclosed donation to the family as a token of commiseration in recognition of the late soldier, who according to his colleagues held a lot of promise.