NAIMOS personnel allegedly shoot ‘innocent’ young man to death at Akyem Hemang

A young man identified as Douglas Acheampong has allegedly been shot and killed by personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Akyem Hemang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.

The incident is said to have occurred at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when a team of military personnel involved in an anti-illegal mining operation passed through the community.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com, the confrontation began when the personnel reportedly noticed a resident, Kwaku Kwebia, who is an immigration officer, standing in the community and speaking on his mobile phone while dressed in civilian clothes.

The officers, who were travelling in four V8 Land Cruisers and a pickup vehicle, allegedly stopped and accused the immigration officer of being an informant.

They reportedly demanded that he surrender his phone so they could establish who he was communicating with.

According to the report, the immigration officer is said to have denied the accusation, explaining that he was speaking with his brother. He nevertheless refused to hand over his phone, leading to a confrontation between him and the personnel.

NAIMOS arrests three, destroys 86 Chanfang machines in Ablebo

The NAIMOS personnel allegedly attempted to force Kwebia into one of their vehicles, attracting the attention of other residents.

His sister reportedly intervened and blocked the entrance of the vehicle in an attempt to prevent her brother from being taken away.

Douglas Acheampong, who was among residents who gathered to intervene, is also said to have confronted the officers during the incident.

As more residents reportedly gathered at the scene, the NAIMOS personnel allegedly fired several warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Sources cited in the report claim that Douglas Acheampong began running away with other residents after the warning shots were fired. It was during this retreat that he was allegedly shot from behind at close range.

The bullet reportedly entered through his back and exited through his stomach, leaving him with severe injuries.

After the NAIMOS personnel had reportedly left the area, residents rushed Douglas Acheampong to a hospital for medical attention. However, medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.

The alleged shooting has reportedly sparked anger among residents of Akyem Hemang, with community members said to be preparing demonstrations to demand justice for Acheampong and accountability over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The allegations have not yet been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting are expected to be subject to further investigation.

Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings to step down from Pan African Parliamentary role



AK/AM