IGP Reshuffles Police Commanders in Major Push Against Galamsey
Police Shake-Up Targets Illegal Mining Hotspots as Crackdown Intensifies
- The IGP has reshuffled Divisional and District Commanders in galamsey-prone areas
- A four-day intelligence-led operation in the Western Region led to the arrest of 47 individuals
- Authorities confiscated 17 excavators, a bulldozer, vehicles, firearms, and other mining tools during the operation
In a bold move to strengthen the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has reshuffled police commanders stationed in key galamsey-affected regions.
The reshuffle, which primarily affects Divisional and District Commanders in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions, marks the first phase of a broader strategy to inject fresh energy and accountability into the ongoing crackdown on destructive mining activities.
“This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to ensure more effective policing in areas plagued by illegal mining,” a statement from the Ghana Police Service read, adding that additional changes are expected in the coming weeks.
As part of the intensified efforts, the Ghana Police Service also reported a significant breakthrough in its war against galamsey.
A four-day, intelligence-led anti-galamsey operation in the Samreboi enclave of the Western Region, which began on April 17, 2025, resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals for illegal mining along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests.
The arrested suspects include 39 Ghanaians, 8 Chinese nationals, and 4 women. Law enforcement also seized a significant cache of equipment, including 17 excavators, a bulldozer, motorbikes, vehicles, firearms, and various other mining tools.
All suspects are in police custody and will face legal proceedings as part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country.
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 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.
