A joint operation team comprising officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and accompanying journalists suffered a serious road accident in the Ashanti Region on Friday, November 7, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after the team was forced to retreat following a violent confrontation with illegal miners (galamsey operators) near Obuasi.
Initial reports indicate that two journalists sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving urgent medical attention.
Violent Confrontation Precedes Crash
The EPA team, whose mission was to clamp down on illegal mining sites and operations in the region, was targeting areas around Obuasi. The situation escalated into a security risk at Dadwene, a community near Obuasi, when the team encountered and was reportedly attacked by a group of miners.
Under heavy pressure and facing a significant threat, the EPA officers and the media personnel were compelled to quickly retreat from the site for their safety.
However, the dangerous situation intensified as the convoy made its way through the community of Afari. One of the vehicles carrying the team members was involved in a crash, leading to injuries among several occupants. The most serious injuries were sustained by the two journalists who are now in critical condition (Source: Media General and Adom News correspondents, November 7, 2025).
Media Personnel Affected
The identities of those involved underscore the risks taken by journalists covering sensitive environmental and anti-galamsey operations. Among the media personnel caught in the incident was Ibrahim Abubakar, the Ashanti Regional Correspondent for Media General, who fortunately escaped serious physical harm. Another reporter from Adom News was also part of the ill-fated team.
This incident highlights the escalating levels of violence and resistance faced by state agencies and the media when attempting to enforce environmental regulations against illegal mining. The attack and subsequent accident raise profound concerns over the security protocols and police protection provided for high-risk anti-galamsey enforcement missions.
The EPA, which has recently stepped up its action by shutting down illegal Chinese warehouses suspected of producing 'changfan' dredging equipment, is yet to issue a comprehensive official statement regarding the attack and the road accident (Source: EPA Enforcement Statements, November 2025). Security and safety organizations are expected to call for an immediate review of the protection measures for those undertaking critical national assignments in high-risk zones.
Source: Reports from the Media General and Adom News correspondents involved in the incident (November 7, 2025), and general EPA Enforcement Statements (November 2025).