The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has initiated a major reshuffle of police commanders in areas heavily affected by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The changes take immediate effect and form part of a renewed nationwide crackdown on the menace.
In an official statement, the Ghana Police Service indicated that this marks the first phase of a broader reshuffle exercise, aimed at injecting new energy and focus into the fight against illegal mining.
The initial phase primarily affects Divisional and District Commanders in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions—areas notorious for galamsey activities.
According to the statement, “This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to ensure more effective policing in areas plagued by illegal mining.”
The move also follows a directive issued by the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, who called for the immediate transfer of commanders who have been stationed in these regions for extended periods but have not achieved significant progress in curbing illegal mining.
Speaking at a community engagement with Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, the Asawase MP stressed the importance of leadership change in the ongoing battle against illegal mining.
Meanwhile, a separate intelligence-led operation targeting galamsey activities is underway in the Western Region. Launched on April 17, 2025, the four-day operation within the Samreboi enclave has resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals. The suspects were apprehended along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forest areas.
Among those arrested are 39 Ghanaians, 8 Chinese nationals, and four women. The operation underscores the government’s commitment to taking decisive action against those involved in illegal mining activities.
Below is the full statement:
POLICE RESHUFFLE COMMANDERS IN GALAMSEY AREAS AS IT INTENSIFIES ITS WAR ON ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno in keeping with his promise to wage a relentless war on illegal mining activities (galamsey) has reshuffled Police commanders in galamsey prone areas.
This is said to be the first phase of the reshuffle exercise as many more are expected to follow to inject fresh energy in the fight against illegal mining activities in the country.
Police Commands affected include some Divisional and District Commanders mainly in the Eastern South, Western and Western North Police Regions.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in its war against illegal mining (galamsey).
A special four continuous days intelligence-led anti-galamsey operations which started on 17th April, 2025 within the Samreboi enclave in the Western Region has resulted in the arrest of 47 people for 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.
