The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Lance Corporal Collins Agyapong Safo, a soldier attached to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), who lost his life in the line of duty during an operation in Obuasi.
Lance Corporal Safo, who held the rank of Private at the time of his death, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, following an accident that occurred during a sanctioned NAIMOS operation aimed at combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In a statement mourning the fallen soldier, the Lands Minister described him as a courageous and dedicated officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in Ghana’s fight to protect its natural resources. He praised the late soldier’s commitment to duty and service to the nation, noting that his death is a painful loss not only to his family but also to the Ghana Armed Forces and the country as a whole.
Hon. Buah reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue the fight against illegal mining, stressing that the sacrifice of officers like Lance Corporal Safo would not be in vain. He also extended condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased, assuring them of the state’s support during this difficult time.
NAIMOS operations form part of broader efforts by the government to curb illegal mining activities, which have caused extensive environmental degradation across several parts of the country, including Obuasi
