‘We acted in self-defence’ – NAIMOS explains deaths of three at Manso Keniago

The spokesperson for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has said the deaths of three people during a clash at Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region resulted from an act of self-defence by the task force.

According to him, NAIMOS personnel were compelled to defend themselves after a mob allegedly attacked them during an operation in the area.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Upfront on November 11, 2026, Schandorf said the task force initially fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd and de-escalate the situation.

He, however, said the group remained determined to attack the personnel, forcing them to respond in self-defence.

'NAIMOS attacked my people first' – Manso Keniago chief speaks on deadly clash

“The task force initially fired warning shots to disperse them, to de-escalate the situation, but they were determined, hell-bent and insistent on exacting on the NAIMOS task force. And that is what compelled NAIMOS, under the circumstances, in the interest of self-defence, to deter them. That is how come three, unfortunately, have lost their lives. Two NAIMOS personnel, as we speak, are currently injured,” he stated.

He further disclosed that the two injured NAIMOS personnel were receiving medical treatment following the confrontation.

Schandorf maintained that the task force resorted to force in response to the alleged attack on its personnel.

MRA/BAI

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