IGP ordered to transfer Police commanders in Galamsey-hit areas

Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu, has been directed by the Minister for Interior and National Security, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, to transfer Police commanders in areas where galamsey thrives.

The minister announced the directive today, stressing the government’s determination to curb illegal mining activities that continue to destroy the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.

“I have ordered the IGP to transfer all police commanders in all mining areas and send in new ones,” the minister said.

He continued that “if you are a regional, divisional or district police commander serving in mining areas, you will be changed with immediate effect.”

Hon. Muntaka, who doubles as MP for Asawase constituency, warned that the newly posted commanders would be given just three months to demonstrate results in the fight against illegal mining operations.

“The new ones we are taking there will be transferred after three months if they don’t perform,” he said, adding that we will keep making changes till we see results.”

This drastic measure follows growing public concern about the ineffectiveness of current security arrangements in mining regions, with suspicions that some officers may be complicit in illegal mining activities.