Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has launched a major reshuffle of police commanders in areas plagued by illegal mining, as part of a broader strategy to combat the environmental and security threat posed by galamsey.

The changes, affecting key divisional and district commanders in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions, mark the first phase of a renewed crackdown on illegal mining operations. Police officials say further reshuffles are expected in the coming weeks as part of efforts to strengthen law enforcement in the most affected areas.

The police leadership views the move as a strategic response to the growing complexities of the illegal mining industry, which has led to widespread environmental degradation and poses a serious risk to water bodies across the country.

In a related development, a special four-day anti-galamsey operation in the Samreboi enclave of the Western Region has led to the arrest of 47 people. The intelligence-led operation, which began on 17 April, targeted illegal mining sites along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forest reserves.

Those arrested include 39 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals, four of whom are women. Police say a large cache of equipment and vehicles used in the illegal mining activities was also seized.

Among the items retrieved were 17 excavators, a bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, a Toyota Rav4, four pump-action guns, a single-barrel gun, 54 live BB cartridges, and eight water-pumping machines.

All suspects remain in police custody and are expected to face prosecution in the coming days. Authorities say the seized items will be presented as evidence in court.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding the country’s natural resources. The IGP has called for public support in the national campaign to end illegal mining and protect the environment for future generations.

Source:TheDotNews