An anti-galamsey operation by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the Ashanti Region took a violent turn on November 6, 2025, when the team, accompanied by journalists, was attacked by heavily armed illegal miners near Obuasi. The incident left several people, including journalists, injured, with some in critical condition.

According to EPA CEO Professor Nana Ama Klutse, the team had been conducting an operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities when they were confronted by the miners at Dadwene, a community near Obuasi. The accompanying military personnel advised retreat, stating they couldn't overpower the armed group, and the team had to flee for their lives.

In the chaos, one vehicle carrying EPA staff and journalists collided head-on with a truck transporting pipes suspected to be used for galamsey operations at Afari, near Obuasi. Several individuals were hurt, with a focus on the media team. Prof. Klutse appealed to medical staff for prioritized care, emphasizing the team's trauma.

The injured journalists include Abubakar (TV3), who had chest pains but is responding well to treatment, Joy TV camera operator, who suffered a broken thigh, and Joseph (Adom TV correspondent), who sustained a head injury.

The Minerals Commission has strongly condemned the attacks, urging residents to support officials working to stop illegal mining. The government has introduced cooperative mining and allocated part of the Adamus concession to residents of Ellembelle under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

The fight against galamsey has been described as a national duty and moral obligation to future generations. Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II warned that galamsey is becoming like a mafia that will engulf the nation if not addressed.

*Press Statement by the Professional Forum Youth Commission*

The Professional Forum Youth Commission has noted with grave concern the recent incident involving the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and members of her team while on official duty earlier this week. This unfortunate development once again exposes the growing danger posed by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, to both our environment and the lives of those committed to protecting it.

Galamsey continues to destroy our rivers, forests, and farmlands and now, it is claiming lives and threatening national stability. It is heartbreaking to recall that not long ago, the nation mourned the loss of eight gallant men in a helicopter crash linked to the fight against illegal mining.

This latest incident involving the EPA team who were chased by illegal miners and ended up in an accident while fleeing for their lives further demonstrates the extent to which the perpetrators of galamsey have become emboldened.

The Youth Commission strongly condemns this act of lawlessness and calls for urgent, decisive action. We cannot continue to lose lives in the line of national service. The bravery of those working to safeguard our environment should be met with protection and support, not violence and intimidation.

We therefore call on traditional authorities, community leaders, opinion leaders, and all patriotic citizens to join hands with government and its agencies in confronting this menace head-on. The fight against galamsey is not a government fight alone, it is a national duty and a moral obligation to future generations.

The Professional Forum Youth Commission stands in solidarity with the leadership and staff of the EPA and reaffirms its commitment to promoting responsible environmental stewardship and lawful conduct across all sectors.

Let us work together to end galamsey before it ends us.

Signed: Professionals Forum Youth Commission