President Mahama’s silence on the NAIMOS attack is unacceptable

Ghana woke up last weekend to shocking reports of an unprovoked assault on members of the NAIMOS, a unit comprising brave men and women of our security forces.

These officers, tasked with combating illegal mining (galamsey) and safeguarding our environment, were attacked in broad daylight by suspected galamsey operatives and a sitting MP.

The images and testimonies emerging from the scene are nothing short of horrifying. Yet, amid the outrage and fear sweeping the nation, one voice remains conspicuously silent, that of President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Leadership Demands Presence, Not Silence

In moments of national crisis, words from the highest office in the land matter. Silence from the presidency risks being interpreted as indifference or worse, complicity.

The men and women in uniform who risk their lives daily to uphold the rule of law deserve reassurance from their Commander-in-Chief that their sacrifices are valued, their attackers will be brought to justice, and the state stands firmly behind them.

Leadership is not only about policy; it is also about moral authority. By failing to publicly condemn the attack, President Mahama sends a dangerous signal that lawlessness can be met with silence, that those who terrorize state agents can do so without fear of swift consequence.

A Lesson from Abroad: The Kier Starmer Example

The contrast with international leadership is striking. When, in 2024, London was rocked by violent attacks targeting ethnic minority communities, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer moved with remarkable speed.

Within hours, he addressed the nation, condemned the acts as “an assault on the very fabric of our society,” and met with victims and law enforcement agencies.

His clarity and decisiveness helped to calm tensions, reaffirm public confidence, and isolate the perpetrators. President Mahama could and should take a page from that book. Silence breeds speculation; speculation breeds mistrust.

What Could Be Behind the Silence?

There are several possible motives behind President Mahama’s silence, none of them comforting.

Political calculation: The illegal mining issue cuts deep into local politics. Some of those involved in galamsey operations wield significant influence in certain constituencies. The President may fear alienating political allies or losing support in key regions.

Security hesitation: It is possible that government agencies are still assessing the full scope of the incident before making a public statement. But even so, a preliminary condemnation of violence would not jeopardize any investigation.

Public relations misstep: Perhaps the administration simply underestimated the moral weight of the moment ,a costly mistake for any government that wishes to appear in control. Whatever the reason, inaction in the face of violence against state officers is indefensible.

Time to Get Serious About Galamsey Violence

Illegal mining is not merely an environmental issue; it has become a national security threat. Armed galamsey operators have repeatedly attacked police, soldiers, and forest guards. The state cannot afford to treat this as an isolated act of criminality, it is an organized rebellion against law and order. It is time for President Mahama to act decisively.

He must:

1. Publicly condemn the attack on NAIMOS personnel.

2. Direct the military and police to hunt down and prosecute the perpetrators.

3. Declare a limited state of emergency in galamsey flashpoints to restore order and protect national resources.

The soldiers who serve Ghana deserve better than silence. The people who depend on clean rivers and safe communities deserve leadership that speaks and acts with courage.

Conclusion

President Mahama’s silence on the NAIMOS attack is eroding confidence in his leadership and emboldening those who profit from chaos. Ghana stands at a crossroads: either the rule of law prevails, or the rule of violence takes hold.

History will remember not only the actions of those who attacked our soldiers, but also the silence of those who could have spoken and did not.

It is time, Mr. President — speak up, act now, and defend the Republic.