A member of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) task force has been shot during an anti-galamsey operation in the Bono Region, while one armed assailant was killed in an exchange of gunfire.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in a bush along the Subinkurom–Kyeremasu stretch in the Dormaa Central Municipality.

According to NAiMOS, the task force team came under attack from armed men who were hiding in the bushes and opened fire upon sighting the officers.

In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, one NAiMOS officer sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh.

He was immediately transported to the St. Matthew Catholic Hospital at Ampenkuro, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively, officials said.

NAiMOS also confirmed that one of the assailants who opened fire on the task force was shot during the confrontation.

The deceased was identified as Abuu Ibrahim and was pronounced dead on arrival at the same hospital.

In a statement issued by its Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, NAiMOS condemned the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining activities despite what it described as persistent threats and disruptions to its operations.

The Secretariat appealed to stakeholders and the general public to continue supporting its efforts to curb illegal mining, which it says poses a serious threat to the environment and national resources.

Investigations into the incident are expected to continue as security agencies work to identify and apprehend any other suspects involved.