The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has begun a reshuffle of police commanders stationed in illegal mining (galamsey) hotspots, as the Ghana Police Service intensifies its crackdown on the destructive activity. The move, which targets Divisional and District Commanders mainly in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions, is the first phase of what the IGP described as a broader exercise to inject new energy and accountability into the fight against galamsey. “This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to ensure more effective policing in areas plagued by illegal mining,” a police statement noted, emphasizing that more changes are expected in the coming weeks.
Below is the full statement by the police
POLICE RESHUFFLE COMMANDERS IN GALAMSEY AREAS AS IT INTENSIFIES ITS WAR ON ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, is fulfilling his promise to vigorously combat illegal mining activities (known as galamsey) by reshuffling police commanders in areas prone to these activities. This is the first phase of the reshuffle, with more changes anticipated to bring new energy to the fight against illegal mining in the country. The police commands affected include several divisional and district commanders, primarily in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North Police Regions.
In a significant development, the Ghana Police Service has achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. A special operation that lasted four continuous days, starting on April 17, 2025, focused on intelligence-led efforts within the Samreboi enclave in the Western Region. This operation resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals engaged in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests of the Western Region.
The suspects comprises 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese as well as four (4) women.
Exhibits retrieved during the operation include;
1. Seventeen (17) escavators
2. One (1) bulldozer
3. Four (4) motorbikes
4. Two (2) Toyota Hilux vehicles
5. One (1) Rav4 vehicle
6. Four (4) pump action guns
7. One (1) single barrel gun
8. 54 live BB cartridges and
9. Eight (8) pumping machines
All the suspects are in custody and will be taken through the due process of the law.
By: William Narh
